On Sunday, Athletic Bilbao will host Mallorca in a much-anticipated La Liga match at San Mamés Stadium. Following a string of disappointing results, Athletic Club is looking to reclaim their momentum. This match holds particular significance as it also influences their pursuit of a higher ranking in the league and ultimately a spot in European competitions.
Match Preview
Athletic Bilbao enters this match against Mallorca after experiencing back-to-back defeats. They lost to Roma in the Europa League and suffered another setback in La Liga, which has left their fans anxious for a turnaround. Meanwhile, Mallorca is also coming off a mixed run, having drawn with Alaves in their last outing. Both teams are looking to strengthen their positions in the league, making this matchup a crucial one.
All Eyes on Injuries and Suspensions
- Athletic Bilbao will be without key defender Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta due to a suspension.
- The team is also missing Dani Vivian, who is currently sidelined with an injury, which could impact their defensive strategy.
- In response to these absences, coach Ernesto Valverde is likely to make some changes to the starting lineup, with Aitor Paredes and Benat Prados expected to step in for crucial roles.
On the other side, Mallorca will see the return of Johan Mojica after serving a suspension, which could bolster their squad. However, they still face uncertainties with Robert Navarro’s fitness, leaving room for Samu Costa to potentially enter the lineup if needed.
Athletic Bilbao’s Journey in La Liga
Athletic Club currently occupies the fourth position in La Liga, showcasing a solid campaign thus far. They started strong but have struggled recently, prompting fans to wonder if they can rally back against an eager Mallorca side. With only two points separating themselves from the teams below them, every match is crucial as the league progresses towards its climax.
Mallorca’s Ambitions
- Currently sitting in eighth place, Mallorca is looking to break into European competition spots, and this match could significantly help their cause.
- They come into this game with a strong away record, winning five of their twelve matches on the road, so they will be a tough challenge for Athletic Club.
Head coach Javier Aguirre will be urging his side to capitalize on Athletic’s recent struggles while continuing to build on their own form. Despite only securing one victory in the last four matches, their resilience should not be underestimated.
Predictions and Expectations
With both teams vying for points, this matchup is set to be intense. Fans and pundits alike are edging towards a narrow victory for Athletic Bilbao, with many anticipating a 1-0 win. This prediction stems from their home advantage and the team’s need to impress their loyal supporters after recent setbacks.
Conclusion
The match is set to kick off at the iconic San Mamés Stadium, with hopes high for Athletic Bilbao to turn the tide, while Mallorca aims to upset their hosts. As supporters fill the stands, the atmosphere promises to be electric, marking a pivotal moment in both teams’ campaigns.
