Mallorca remain safely in the heart of the Primera Division, though a poor run has seen them fall away from the main pack of clubs chasing European football. Michael Laudrup’s side will therefore want to get back on track against Sporting de Gijon on Saturday, when they open up Round 21 of Primera Division action at the Estadio Iberostar.
Recent results have been lamentable for the Balearic club, who have picked up only six points in their last seven games. This sequence worryingly comprises of five defeats, though the performance against Real Madrid in a 1-0 reverse in the Spanish capital last weekend at least brought some cause for hope.
“Fair or unfair does not exist in football, but I am very happy with this game, because there are many things I am proud of,” Laudrup explained to the media in the aftermath of the fixture. “Our ‘keeper [Dudu] Aouate did not make a save in the first half, and I think that in the end we deserved a draw. We have missed chances.”
The biggest problem Mallorca have had in recent times, and Laudrup alluded to this in his post-match interview, is that they toil to score goals consistently. Batches of three and four against Hercules and Almeria at the turn of the year provide room for optimism, but in their other 18 matches they’ve only struck 16 times. Unless this statistic changes, els Barralets will continue to bob along in the middle of the standings.
Two Wins, But It’s Still Tense
Only a couple of weeks ago, things were looking bleak for Sporting de Gijon. After enduring a really difficult 2010, during which they only won a handful of games, Manuel Preciado’s side had slumped into the relegation zone off the back of an 11 match winless run. Consecutive victories over Hercules and Atletico Madrid have changed the complexion of their season somewhat.
For much of last weekend’s encounter against los Colchoneros, los Sportinguistas were on the back foot. Despite playing at El Molinon, they mustered little above 40 per cent of the possession and struck only six shots at goal. Preciado’s side did manage the game’s decisive moment, David Barral shooting home a terrific Miguel de las Cuevas pass.
“The six points are a very important and are an especially big boost for the squad. These wins give you confidence, but it must be remembered that we are still in a delicate position,” Preciado smiled after the game, happy with his side’s defensive efforts. “In our last two home games, our rivals have only created one moment of danger, and that was Atletico Madrid in the 93rd minute.”
If the pressure has been eased on Sporting somewhat, it can just as quickly be thrust straight back on. Preciado will be looking for a strong performance from his side in Mallorca, though a draw would constitute a good result for the visitors.
TEAM NEWS
Mallorca
The squad has been depleted by several players being allowed to leave over the course of the last week. Tuni and Alhassane Keita (who was on loan at Valladolid) have had their contracts terminated, while Fernando Cavenaghi appears well on his way too.
Though there are few selection issues, Ivan Ramis is suspended.
Sporting
Andre Castro could be introduced into the starting XI, but it’s more probable that the system used in the last two games is retained. No big changes are expected in the squad, though Alberto Botia and Luis Moran have yet to return after injuries.
Prediction
Even though their recent results have been poor, Mallorca are not a side who should be underestimated at home, as six wins from 10 league games proves. Sporting have yet to win on the road, and assuming the hosts can find the net at least once, they should be too good for the visitors.
Mallorca 2-0 Sporting de Gijon 
