The best of Mallorca’s early-season form is now a distant memory, with Michael Laudrup’s side having taken a station towards the centre of the Primera Division table. Three weeks leading up to Christmas were particularly difficult for the Balearic Islanders, who lost three successive Primera Division matches for the first time this season, and also suffered defeat against Almeria in the Copa del Rey.
With a rot seemingly setting into els Barralets, Laudrup will attempt to remedy the problems ahead of Monday’s clash against Hercules. Having enjoyed a week off to gain some well earned rest and relaxation, the Islanders should return with a spring in their step, particularly as they are playing at home, where they have won two-thirds of their 21 points this season.
Last time out at the Iberostar Estadio, Mallorca were the shock recipients of a 1-0 defeat against struggling Racing Santander. It was a match that the home side dominated, enjoying nearly 60 per cent of possession and striking at goal 13 times without success, statistics that hint they deserved a better outcome.
Home encounters against los Herculanos and Almeria certainly provide a potentially excellent springboard into 2011 for a team whose participation in Europe this term was thwarted only by financial difficulties. Laudrup will be looking to benefit greatly from this, doubtless eyeing up three potential points on Monday.
Worrying Week
It may be the season of goodwill, but its being spread rather thin around Alicante at present. The revelations that Royston Drenthe, one of Hercules’ top players, has not been receiving remuneration for his efforts has come as something of a surprise, and throws into doubt not only the morale of the current squad, but also the team’s ability to strengthen to push away from the drop zone.
Hercules are presently stationed rather comfortably about the bottom three, boasting 19 points, but their six point cushion could be quickly whittled away if a sustained run of poor form is endured.
Esteban Vigo’s side may have won in Barcelona earlier this season, but they have never matched the heights of that game back in the late days of summer. Indeed, los Herculanos’ season has been riddled with inconsistency, failing to produce their best football against teams they would be expected to overcome.
These issues were dealt with to a certain degree immediately before the winter break. Crucial home wins were recorded against Levante and Malaga, while a scoreless draw against Racing Santander has temporarily fended off the challenge coming from the slightly poorer placed Montaneses.
With a calibre of player that few other teams in the relegation scrap can command, Hercules should be looking to push clear of the bottom spots, but the last week raises questions of their sustainability in the top flight. Much will be told about their character on Monday.
TEAM NEWS
Mallorca
Akihiro Ienaga has been signed by the island club, though having been added to the squad so recently it is unlikely he will start. No fresh issues have been reported by Michael Laudrup.
Hercules
Royston Drenthe hasn't been training due to the pay dispute at the club. Tote, Tiago Gomes and Olivier Thomert are all injured. Javier Farina continues to battle a thigh complaint.
Prediction
Mallorca are a team who were tremendous at home last season but who have faded somewhat this. Nevertheless, morale cannot be especially good in Hercules’ camp at present, and though the Alicante side have won in Barcelona, that is their sole road victory to date. A home win is the logical outcome.
Mallorca 2-1 Hercules 
