Barcelona vs Mallorca preview: Barca looks to unleash European frustration in La Liga
Mallorca will travel from their cozy Mediterranean island into hostile territory where FC Barcelona will look to set the Camp Nou ablaze with goals after they were held to a frustrating draw 1-1 away to
Rubin Kazan in midweek Champions League action.
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Russian side Rubin Kazan continue to be a thorn in Barcelona's side as the Spanish giants have now failed to get a victory in three attempts against them over the past two seasons. Barcelona's league form
has been stellar so far this season, save for a shocking 2-0 loss to newly promoted Hercules in Barcelona's second league match of the season. Since that loss Barcelona have recorded impressive victories defeating Atletico Madrid, Sporting Gijon, and Athletic
Bilbao last weekend.
Since holding the mighty Real Madrid to a scoreless draw on the opening weekend of the season, Mallorca have managed two wins, including a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad last weekend, and two losses. Unlike
Barcelona, Mallorca do not have to suffer through midweek fixtures in Europe and players should feel rested and prepared leading up to the match.
Players to watch
Lionel Messi, who was injured two weekends ago in a match against Atletico Madrid, made his return to the Barcelona lineup right at the hour mark of their match against Rubin Kazan only seconds after the
Catalans had tied the score at 1-1. His inclusion into the lineup was a welcome sign for Barcelona who are great without him, but virtually unbeatable with him. David Villa scored the only goal for Barcelona against Kazan from the penalty spot but it has been
reported that he will be out of the lineup on Sunday which should pave the way for Messi to get the start. Midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta will control the match between the boxes and will supply Messi with chances.
Mallorca have a mere four goals from five matches this season and will rely on frustrating Barcelona's midfield from creating chances if they hope to garner any points from the contest. Last weekend, however,
it was Argentinian striker Fernando Cavenaghi who scored twice for Mallorca en route to victory. Canadian-born Dutch international Jonathan De Guzman is Mallorca's midfield creative force.
What to expect
Barcelona are far and away the better club and have all the accolades and silverware to prove it. They are, however, forced to play the games with every club pencilling their match against Barcelona as
the season's most important contest. A lot can happen in 90 minutes and Mallorca have shown that they can cause the odd upset from time to time. Barcelona won both matches last season and will expect to do the same this season as they will be hoping Bilbao
can frustrate league leaders Valencia in dropping points. Barcelona will surely know that a victory and any points dropped by Valencia will catapult the Catalans into top spot in La Liga. Coach Pep Guardiola will put together a gameplan specifically designed
to the delight crowd. Barcelona will win comfortably 2-0.
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