Real Sociedad vs Mallorca Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have two sides that wouldn’t have expected to be involved in a relegation battle in La Liga this season, but they are two of the main strugglers from their opening five games.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Sociedad vs Mallorca may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad preview: Struggles in San Sebastian
Following the departure of manager Imanol Alguacil to Al Shabab over the summer, Real Sociedad were perhaps concerned about regression this season and that has certainly been the case in the early stages of the Sergio Francisco reign.
La Real come into this one on the back of a 3-1 hammering at the hands of Real Betis at La Cartuja in Seville at the weekend and the Basque giants have now collected just two points from their opening five matches of the Liga season.
Mallorca preview: Majorcan frustration
Real Mallorca have endured a very tough fixture list to start the campaign, having played four of last season’s top seven – including the ‘big three’ of defending champions Barcelona as well as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
They managed to steal a point against the latter in their most recent outing at the weekend, with Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi managing to bring the Majorcans level against the ten-man Los Rojiblancos.
Real Sociedad team news: Jon Martin now out
Real Sociedad defender Jon Martin is now sidelined for La Real, alongside summer signing Yangel Herrera and Iceland international striker Orri Oskarsson.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Sergio Gomez; Aritz Elustondo; Kubo, Brais Mendez, Pablo Marin, Ander Barrenetxea; Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Jon Martin (Injured), Yangel Herrera (Injured), Oskarsson (Injured)
Questionable:
Mallorca team news: Behind the scenes squabbling
Real Mallorca have been dealing with a fair bit of squabbling behind the scenes with club captain Dani Rodriguez remaining internally suspended as a result of an argument with Jago Arrasate.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Leo Roman; Valjent, Antonio Raillo, Toni Lato; Mateu Morey, Costa, Manu Morlanes, Sergi Darder, Johan Mojica; Asano, Muriqi
Unavailable: Dani Rodriguez (Disciplinary), Jan Virgili (Injured)
Questionable: Kumbulla (Injured)
Real Sociedad vs Mallorca prediction
Real Sociedad’s squad remains decent and there is also a fair amount of depth to it, despite major sales over recent years. However, the style does appear directionless and a lack of identity is hurting them thus far. Mallorca have off-field issues to deal with but, despite that, performances have remained respectable against strong opposition. The players, therefore, appear to be siding with Jago Arrasate and siding with the Majorcans to get their first win of the season could be the way to go for this one.
Real Sociedad vs Mallorca tip: Double chance – Mallorca to win or draw
