Mallorca and Osasuna lock horns in a crucial La Liga clash at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Monday, with both sides eager to strengthen their positions in the table.
Sitting in ninth place with 30 points from 22 matches, Mallorca have quietly put together a solid campaign. They have been tough to break down at home, and with their sights set on climbing further up the standings, this fixture presents a golden opportunity.
Osasuna, meanwhile, have been one of the season’s surprise packages. Currently eighth, they are still in the hunt for European football, sitting just five points behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano. A win here would be a significant step in their quest to close that gap.
Both teams have shown they can be dangerous when in form, and with three crucial points at stake, expect an intense and hard-fought battle on the island.
Mallorca come into this fixture desperate to turn their fortunes around after a dismal run of five consecutive defeats across all competitions. Their struggles in front of goal have been particularly concerning, failing to score in all five losses while conceding at least twice in four of them. However, their home form offers a glimmer of hope, with two wins in their last five La Liga outings at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
The return of Omar Mascarell from suspension is a welcome boost for the hosts, as his presence in midfield could provide some much-needed stability. However, they remain without Antonio Sanchez due to a hamstring injury, while Toni Lato, Pablo Maffeo, and Manu Morlanes are doubtful for the clash.
Up front, Mallorca are expected to stick with the strike partnership of Cyle Larin and Vedat Muriqi, despite their recent struggles in front of goal. Mascarell’s return to midfield could see Dani Rodriguez drop out of the starting lineup as Mallorca look to find a formula that can snap their losing streak.
Can they rediscover their attacking spark and secure a much-needed victory, or will their struggles continue against an Osasuna side eyeing a European push?
MALLORCA predicted lineup vs OSASUNA: Greif (GK); Morey, Valjent, Raillo, Copete, Mojica; Mascarell, Costa, Darder; Larin, Muriqi.
Osasuna will be eager to put their Copa del Rey disappointment behind them as they return to La Liga action against Mallorca. Their 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad ended their cup run, but they remain unbeaten in their last three league matches, including an impressive 2-1 victory over the same Sociedad side.
While their away form has been inconsistent, Osasuna have proven difficult to beat on the road, losing just once in their last eight away league matches. They have also fared well against Mallorca recently, going unbeaten in their last two meetings.
A key boost for the visitors is the return of Bryan Zaragoza from a foot injury. The on-loan Bayern Munich winger has featured off the bench in the last two matches but may still be building up his fitness for a starting role. Meanwhile, Lucas Torro is expected to return to the lineup after missing out in the Copa del Rey.
Up front, Ante Budimir remains the focal point of the attack. With 12 La Liga goals to his name this season, the Croatian striker will be Osasuna’s biggest threat as they look to capitalize on Mallorca’s defensive struggles.
With a fully fit squad at his disposal, head coach Jagoba Arrasate has plenty of options as he aims to guide Osasuna to a crucial away win. Can they capitalize on Mallorca’s poor form and edge closer to the European spots?
OSASUNA predicted lineup vs MALLORCA: Herrera (GK); Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz; Moncayola, Torro, Oroz; Ruben Garcia, Budimir, Kike Barja.
Mallorca enter this match on the back of a dreadful run, having lost their last five games across all competitions without scoring a single goal. Their struggles in attack and vulnerability at the back make them clear underdogs heading into this contest. A turnaround is desperately needed, but confidence within the squad appears to be at a low point.
Osasuna, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum. They secured a 1-0 victory in their last meeting with Mallorca and are unbeaten in their last three league outings. While their Copa del Rey campaign ended in disappointment, their recent league form suggests they will approach this game with plenty of confidence.
Prediction: Osasuna wins the match.
