Prediction: Mallorca vs Real Madrid

14th January 2012

Mallorca players can be forgiven for feeling they can get something from this game after the impressive 6:1 victory over Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey, but it is los Blancos that have to be considered favourites here. Jose Mourinho’s side are looking for their eleventh straight victory on the road.

Despite playing well throughout the league campaign last term, Mallorca finished just one point above the relegation zone following a dismal finish to the season and they were obviously hoping to show some improvement going into the new season. However, los Bermellones haven’t really done much better than last term and they now sit just three points above the bottom three. While struggling in La Liga, Joaquin Caparros’ side did well to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, with their midweek 6:1 victory over Real Sociedad clearly the highest point of the season so far. Boasting one of the worst scoring records in the elite division, Mallorca tried to address the problem by signing striker Marvin Ogunjimi from Genk, but he is obviously not expected to contribute much until fully settled into the new surroundings. The Belgian striker is likely to start on the bench, but Gonzalo Castro and Tomer Hemed should start after shaking off minor injuries.

This is already looking like a breakthrough season for Real and the one that should see them end Barca’s domination on domestic and possibly international level. While showing a lot of potential last term, los Blancos have been simply amazing this season and no wonder that they already have a five-point cushion at the La Liga summit. The El Clasico defeat, which ended their 14-match winning run, was not able to destabilize Jose Mourinho’s side, with los Merengues going on to win next six games in all competitions. What is even more impressive is that Real Madrid have won every one of their last ten away games in all competitions, and that gives them reason for optimism before the trip to Iberostar Estadi. Despite resuming full training, Angel Di Maria is not in the squad to face Mallorca, just like Ricardo Carvalho, who is still not match fit. Sami Khedira and Hamit Altintop continue to miss out through injury.

Conclusion

Mallorca may have scored six goals last time out, but Joaquin Caparros’ side look desperately short of quality needed to match a side like Real. Los Merengues are scoring goals for fun of late, and backing them to bag at least three goals looks like the right thing to do.

Verdict: Real Madrid to score over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet365