Prediction: Barcelona vs Mallorca

Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Simply looking to find a welcomed return to winning ways on Sunday evening, Barcelona will welcome Mallorca to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona

Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have eventually cruised their way to a first La Liga crown since 2019 this season, Xavi’s side are seeking a recent boost. Slumping to a 3-1 loss away at Valladolid earlier in the week, the Spanish icons have now suffered back-to-back top-flight losses for the first time this season. However, still with a real party atmosphere around the Nou Camp, Barca have continued to gain a string of plaudits on either side of the World Cup’s winter break. Despite enduring another European nightmare this season, they will be smelling a golden chance here. Claiming a 1-0 victory when they traveled to the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix for their reverse La Liga meeting against Mallorca on October 1st, Xavi’s side hold a stunning record against Sunday’s opponents. In fact, on a run that stems all the way back to a 1-1 draw in October 2010, Barcelona have won each of their last 10 straight meetings against Mallorca.

Team News

Barcelona look set to be without the quartet of Pedri, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Angel Alarcon on Sunday evening. In what looks set to be his final appearance at the Nou Camp, captain and midfield icon Sergio Busquets will be handed a full recall.

Once again finding the net away at Valladolid earlier in the week, attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski has now notched six goals in as many La Liga appearances and will spearhead Xavi’s attack here.

Mallorca

As for the visitors, managing to make a return to winning ways earlier in the week as they claimed a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Valencia, Mallorca have impressed many in Spain this season. Still dreaming of the chance to secure a stunning top-half finish next month, Javier Aguirre’s side will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset here. However, winning just a pair of their previous six top-flight appearances, the Pirates certainly face a real examination here. Losing each of their last 10 straight showdowns against the newly-crowned Spanish champions, Mallorca have also gained a real reputation for their rather glaring issues on the road this season. Last seen away from the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix getting hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Almeria, Aguirre’s side have lost their last three La Liga away fixtures by an aggregate score of 8-2. Likewise, it should also be highlighted, Sunday’s guests have recorded just a single top-flight away victory throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Team News

Mallorca look set to once again be without the quartet of Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Antonio Railo, Ludwig Augustinsson and former Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic when they travel to the Nou Camp this weekend.

Bagging the winner against Valencia earlier in the week and notching his 14th La Liga strike of the season, Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi will once again lead Aguirre’s charge in Catalonia. Iddrisu Baba Mohammed will partner Daniel Rodriguez in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse La Liga showdown on October 1st, Barcelona picked up a 1-0 victory at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
• Likewise, Xavi’s side have won each of their last 10 straight meetings against Mallorca – a run that stems back to a 1-1 draw in October 2010.
• However, the newly-crowned Spanish champions have suffered back-to-back La Liga defeats for the first time this season.
• Mallorca have picked up just a single La Liga victory on their travels throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
• Attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski has now notched six goals in as many La Liga appearances.

Conclusion

While Barcelona might have made real La Liga history earlier in the month as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 2019, Xavi’s squad will be looking to make a welcomed return to winning ways here. Despite suffering back-to-back defeats, Barca’s attacking icon will be smelling the chance to extend on his free-scoring flurry here. Once again finding the net as he bagged a consolation strike away at Valladolid, Lewandowski will once again spearhead Xavi’s charge on Sunday evening. Now notching six goals in as many La Liga appearances, the Polish record-breaker will be looking to cash in on a Mallorca side that have certainly gained a reputation for their rather glaring issues on the road. Mustering just a single top-flight win on their travels this season, Lewandowski and co should be smelling a real chance when they return to the Nou Camp here.

Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet