Real Sociedad vs Mallorca Predictions & Match Preview

Real Sociedad vs Mallorca predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for expert analysis, the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as La Real target top spot.

Real Sociedad vs Mallorca Preview

The late game on Saturday comes from the Reale Arena as Real Sociedad look to continue their strong start to the season against Real Mallorca. With neither Madrid club in action this weekend, La Real only need a point to go top but Imanol will certainly be targeting all three against newly promoted opposition.

Real Sociedad’s position in the table is all the more remarkable when you take into account their injury problems. They’ve had more than 10 first teamers injured at times this season leaving them reliant on B team players in some areas but they’ve continued to get results although a bit of fatigue was certainly starting to creep in by the time of their 1-1 draw at Getafe just prior to the international break.

It’s safe to say that came at a good time for La Real with a number of key players getting the chance to rest while a few others have returned to fitness although they’ll still have several absentees this weekend. Their star performer so far this term has unquestionably been Mikel Oyarzabal with 6 goals already in LaLiga. He’s arguably in the process of evolving from the very talented young player he has been for a number of seasons into a genuine elite level performer of growing importance for club and country.

As for Real Mallorca, they made a bright start to their return to the Primera but there have been a few reality checks in recent weeks. They conceded six at the Bernabeu before a 3-2 home defeat against Osasuna but bounced back well with a 1-0 win over Levante in their final match before the break.

Angel Rodriguez notched the winner in that game and he’s one of a number of strong attacking options that Luis Garcia has at his disposal. Putting all the new pieces together so it works as a team unit continues to be the challenge but the early signs are relatively encouraging for Mallorca as they bid to reestablish themselves at this level.

Head to Head

• Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 4 Real Sociedad Wins, 2 Mallorca Wins.
• La Real have won all of the last 3 meetings.
• They’ve won all of their last 8 home games against Mallorca in all competitions.
• Mallorca last beat the Basque club in September 2012 with a 1-0 win in Palma.

Team News

Diego Rico and Nacho Monreal are still sidelined for La Real who also have doubts over David Silva, Jon Pacheco and Alexander Sørloth.

Antonio Raíllo, Take Kubo and Aleksander Sedlar are rated doubtful for the visitors.

Predicted Real Sociedad Starting Lineup:

Remiro – Munoz, Le Normand, Elustondo, Gorosabel – Navarro, Zubimendi, Merino – Oyarzabal, Isak, Portu (4-3-3)

Predicted Mallorca Starting Lineup:

Reina – Costa, Russo, Valjent, Maffeo – Baba, Galareta – Ndiaye, Rodriguez, Kang-In – Nino (4-2-3-1)

Real Sociedad vs Mallorca Predictions

Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 Mallorca

Mallorca have shown a willingness to attack and try to force the running, even against stronger sides. That bodes well for this being an entertaining game of football. La Real are still missing some players but key men such as Robin Le Normand and Aritz Elustondo didn’t feature during the international break so should be well rested and they may have too much for Mallorca over the course of 90 minutes here.

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