Valencia vs Mallorca: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups
Valencia and Mallorca are set to face each other in a crucial La Liga encounter on Friday night. Both teams are looking to secure vital points after contrasting fortunes in their recent Copa del Rey matches. Valencia currently sits at 17th in the La Liga standings, while Mallorca is positioned at 14th.
Match Preview: Valencia vs Mallorca
Valencia’s season has been challenging thus far. With three wins, six draws, and seven losses from 16 matches, they have accumulated 15 points. Their offensive struggles are evident, having scored only 15 goals while conceding 25, making their defensive record the third-worst in the league.
After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend, Valencia bounced back midweek with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Gijon in the Copa del Rey. This win secured them a place in the tournament’s round of 16. Last season, Valencia also triumphed over Mallorca 1-0, marking a significant victory since they had not defeated them since February 2022.
Recent Form
- Valencia La Liga Record: LDWDDL
- Valencia Overall Form: WDWDLW
- Mallorca La Liga Record: LWLDDW
- Mallorca Overall Form: LDWDWL
On the other hand, Mallorca experienced disappointment in the Copa del Rey, losing 1-0 to Deportivo La Coruna. However, they recently secured a 3-1 victory against Elche in Liga, extending their unbeaten streak to three matches. Their season so far shows four wins, five draws, and seven losses, totaling 17 points.
Team News
Valencia appears to have no significant absentees ahead of the match. However, Mouctar Diakhaby’s return from a hamstring injury remains uncertain. Luis Rioja has recently recovered from illness and is available, alongside Cesar Tarrega after his suspension. Although Lucas Beltran performed well in the Copa del Rey, he may start on the bench this time.
For Mallorca, Omar Mascarell is unavailable as he joins the Equatorial Guinea squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. Midfielder Samu Costa returns from suspension and is likely to feature. Meanwhile, Manu Morlanes faces a thigh injury, paving the way for Marc Aguado to potentially start. Vedat Muriqi is expected to lead the visitor’s attacking line.
Predicted Lineups
| Valencia | Agirrezabala; Foulquier, Tarrega, Copete, Vazquez; Correia, Ugrinic, Pepelu, Almeida; Lopez, Duro |
|---|---|
| Mallorca | Roman; Maffeo, Valjent, Raillo, Mojica; Aguado, Samu; Joseph, Darder, Virgili; Muriqi |
Match Prediction
This matchup is closely contested, making it difficult to predict a clear winner. Both teams have shown potential, and a draw seems likely. Our prediction for the final score is Valencia 1, Mallorca 1.
