Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
Simply looking to find a welcomed return to winning ways on Sunday evening, Barcelona will welcome Mallorca to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have eventually cruised their way to a first La Liga crown since 2019 this season, Xavi’s side are seeking a recent boost. Slumping to a 3-1 loss away at Valladolid earlier in the week, the Spanish icons have now suffered back-to-back top-flight losses for the first time this season. However, still with a real party atmosphere around the Nou Camp, Barca have continued to gain a string of plaudits on either side of the World Cup’s winter break. Despite enduring another European nightmare this season, they will be smelling a golden chance here. Claiming a 1-0 victory when they traveled to the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix for their reverse La Liga meeting against Mallorca on October 1st, Xavi’s side hold a stunning record against Sunday’s opponents. In fact, on a run that stems all the way back to a 1-1 draw in October 2010, Barcelona have won each of their last 10 straight meetings against Mallorca.
Team News
Barcelona look set to be without the quartet of Pedri, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Angel Alarcon on Sunday evening. In what looks set to be his final appearance at the Nou Camp, captain and midfield icon Sergio Busquets will be handed a full recall.
Once again finding the net away at Valladolid earlier in the week, attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski has now notched six goals in as many La Liga appearances and will spearhead Xavi’s attack here.
Mallorca
As for the visitors, managing to make a return to winning ways earlier in the week as they claimed a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Valencia, Mallorca have impressed many in Spain this season. Still dreaming of the chance to secure a stunning top-half finish next month, Javier Aguirre’s side will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset here. However, winning just a pair of their previous six top-flight appearances, the Pirates certainly face a real examination here. Losing each of their last 10 straight showdowns against the newly-crowned Spanish champions, Mallorca have also gained a real reputation for their rather glaring issues on the road this season. Last seen away from the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix getting hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Almeria, Aguirre’s side have lost their last three La Liga away fixtures by an aggregate score of 8-2. Likewise, it should also be highlighted, Sunday’s guests have recorded just a single top-flight away victory throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Team News
Mallorca look set to once again be without the quartet of Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Antonio Railo, Ludwig Augustinsson and former Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic when they travel to the Nou Camp this weekend.
Bagging the winner against Valencia earlier in the week and notching his 14th La Liga strike of the season, Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi will once again lead Aguirre’s charge in Catalonia. Iddrisu Baba Mohammed will partner Daniel Rodriguez in the middle of the park.
Key Factors to Consider
