RCD Mallorca vs. Real Sociedad – La Liga Preview
Last season’s relegation contenders lock horns in this La Liga fixture. Mallorca are undergoing a rough time while Sociedad should be very happy with wins over similar status teams. Michael Laudrup’s charges will play hosts to a defensively resolute La Real.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/RCD-Mallorca-c40326
La Ensaimada Mecánica are facing a confidence crisis at the start of the season. They have only won a single game and that too came from the departed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonathan-c18993 de Guzman.
They have failed to score in the last three games, succumbing to uninspiring defeats. To their credit, their defensive units are performing on a higher level and need their attackers and midfield men to shoulder responsibilities.
With http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dudu-Aouate-c11703 between the posts, Laudrup does not have to worry about letting in easy goals. The defensive quadrant of Pau Cendrós López, Chico, Ramis, and Caceres has shown that they are not easy to penetrate.
However, it is the forwards who are misfiring. Apart from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emilio-Nsue-c12492, no one has shown the industry to break defences. Victor Casadesús has been pathetic in front of goal, spurning the little chances they create.
Los Bermellones desperately need a hero to lead the lines and no one is in sight at the moment.
Real Sociedad
In direct contrast to their opponents, Sociedad are enjoying life in La Liga at the moment. They have only lost once in the four Primera Division games, and that too to a Frédéric Kanouté lightning bolt against Sevilla.
At Anoeta they managed to hold http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 to a 2-2 draw, and have won against struggling Granada and Sporting Gijon.
Sociedad have shown that they have the attacking guile to take on their opponents. Imanol has shown that he can lead his team on the pitch.
His partnership with Griezmann has given good results so far and Philippe Montanier will keep his fingers crossed for them to shine again.
Head-to-head Statistics
In the last ten matches between these two sides, the away team has been victor only once. Mallorca won at Anoeta 1-0 in the encounter while only two have resulted in draws. La Real have not lost at home and all the games have resulted in two or more goals.
It promises to be a goal extravaganza between the two teams battling for bragging rights.
Players to watch
Los Bermellones lost their best player to Villarreal in the transfer window. Ironically, the departed Jonathan de Guzman stands as the solitary goalscorer for his old side.
Mallorca will be looking towards 21-year-old Emilio Nsue for creativity from the wings. He remains the hosts’ best hope in this encounter.
Young French winger Antoine Griezmann will shoulder the responsibility to create chances from the wing. He scored the equalizing goal against Barcelona and the determined youngster should add to his tally against a disarrayed Mallorca.
Returning to first team fold will be star striker Imanol Agirretxe. His addition to the squad make the visitors an improved goal threat when coupled with Mexican attacker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-Vela-c8558.
Prediction
Real Sociedad boast a solid defensive record and have shown their knack of exciting comebacks. A win for the away side looks increasingly possible given the woeful scoring record of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-c25261 Laudrup’s men. A likely 1-2 result at Iberostar Stadium.
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