Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca
Written by Patrick Echatah
The new La Liga season is back on track after the international break. Athletic Bilbao host Mallorca at the San Mames on Saturday. Both teams are unbeaten in the new campaign and will want to win this game. Mallorca are sixth on the La Liga table at the moment and have been impressive this season. The newly-promoted side has won two out of its three La Liga matches so far
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, currently find themselves in ninth place in the table and have flattered to deceive over the past year. The Basque club defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 in their last match and will want a victory in this match.
Style of play
Athletic Bilbao are an ultra defensive team especially under coach Marcelino, the Basque club can be tricky with its set up of a traditional 4-4-2 formation. Unai Simón is expected in goal barring any tactical changes alongside a back four of Mikel Balenziaga, Inigo Martinez, Dani Vivian, and Ander Capa.
Mallorca will normally adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation under gaffer Luis García with Reina in goal and a back four of Brian Olivan, Antonio Raillo, Martin Valjent and Pablo Maffeo. Dani Rodríguez usually plays the number “10” role for Mallorca with Takefusa Kubo attacking from the right side of attack.
Form
Athletic Bilbao have picked four points from an available nine, the Basque club have scored two against in their last three games and have conceded a solitary goal. Athletic Bilbao’s defence have been formidable.
Mallorca has won two of their last two La Liga games, keeping a clean sheet in both games, the newly promoted club have scored 3 goals in 3 games from 3 different scorers.
Players to watch
This season, Dani Rodríguez has featured in all three matches for Mallorca, the 33-year-old has scored a goal and provided an assist in three game so far this season.
Inaki Williams is the player to watch for Athletic Bilbao, the Spaniard singlehandedly gave the Basque club all three point in their last league match with Celta Vigo.
Head-to-Head
Athletic Bilbao have a good record against Mallorca and have won 15 matches out of 34 games played between the two teams. Mallorca have managed 11 victories against Athletic Bilbao and can trouble their opponents in this fixture. The previous game between the two Spanish clubs took place last year and ended in a 3-1 victory for Athletic Bilbao. Mallorca have improved in recent months and have a point to prove this weekend.
Injury Concerns
Athletic Bilbao
Peru Nolaskoain and Yuri Berchiche are injured presently and will not be able to feature in this fixture. Yeray Alvarez, Inigo Cordoba, and Oscar de Marcos are also carrying knocks and might not feature in this match.
Mollorca
Antonio Sanchez and Angel Rodriguez are injured presently and has been ruled out of this weekend’s game. Franco Russo and Joan Sastre are also struggling with their fitness and might not feature in this match.
Read Also – Edouard Mendy’s Measured Rise To The Top Against All Odds
Predicted lineup
Athletic Bilbao (4-4-2): Unai Simon; Mikel Balenziaga, Inigo Martinez, Dani Vivian, Ander Capa; Unai Vencedor, Dani Garcia, Iker Muniain, Alex Berenguer; Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams
Mallorca (4-2-3-1): Manolo Reina; Brian Olivan, Antonio Raillo, Martin Valjent, Pablo Maffeo; Iddrisu Baba, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta; Takefusa Kubo, Jordi Mboula, Dani Rodriguez; Fernando Nino
Verdict
A slim win for Athletic Bilbao over Mallorca.
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