Alaves vs Mallorca predictions, H2H and match preview for this Sunday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as two of the pre-season relegation favourites meet.
Alaves vs Mallorca Preview
This is one of a few big games in the bottom half this weekend between two sides who may just find themselves in the relegation shake-up come the latter stages of the season. Neither Alaves nor Mallorca take any kind of form into this one and a defeat for either side would be a really crushing blow even at this point in the season.
Alaves were thoroughly outplayed on Thursday night in San Sebastian by an impressive Real Sociedad side. They were outplayed from the first to last minute and according to Expected Goals data, it was actually the most one-sided match we’ve seen all season in La Liga. Clearly this will be a very different kind of game where Alaves should see a bit more of the ball but even against Mallorca they may struggle to take much control in midfield.
The hosts head into this following three straight defeats but they did at least manage to put 6 points on the board prior to that. Mallorca were also winners on the opening weekend but it’s just 1 point from 5 games for the islanders since then. The alarm bells might just be starting to ring now as the weeks go by and Mallorca reflect on more decent performances that haven’t brought any reward in terms of results.
That’s a concern as they really do look short on cutting edge in the final third despite some impressive build-up play. Even against Atleti they spent plenty of time in their opponents half without managing to make them pay. The worry will be that the confidence will start to drain away the more often that happens but they should at least have a fighting chance here against an Alaves side that is not playing at all well.
Alaves vs Mallorca Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-1
Alaves have lacked ambition and quality in their recent games. They seem content to play on the break with one up top so it’ll be interesting to see if Asier Garitano decides to roll the dice a bit more here. The onus will be on them to take the game to Mallorca but that could allow the visitors a bit more space to play into and they’ve shown they are more than capable of creating chances. This one may end up all square with a point that might not do a great deal to help either side.
Alaves vs Mallorca H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 3 Alaves Wins, 2 Mallorca Wins, 1 Draw.
- Alaves have won their last 3 home games against Mallorca to nil.
- All of the last 5 meetings have produced two or fewer goals.
- The sides haven’t met in the top flight since a 0-0 draw in April 2006.
Next up in La Liga: Levante vs Osasuna
Predicted Line Ups
Alaves Team:
Pacheco – Navarro, Ely, Laguardia, Duarte – Pina, Pons, Wakaso – Riojo, Joselu, Vidal (4-3-3)
Mallorca Team:
Reina – Agbenyenu, Campos, Valjent, Sastre – Kubo, Baba, Sevilla – Junior, Budimir, Rodriguez (4-3-3)
