Friday night’s game pits Barcelona against Real Mallorca at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys as the home team looks to keep their slim hopes of defending their La Liga crown alive.
Barcelona frustrated by Athletic ClubThe Catalan giants are now seven games unbeaten in all competitions. Last time out, they played out a goalless draw with Athletic Club at San Mames.
The game was a rare low-scoring game for the Blaugrana, as their previous four La Liga games had produced over 2.5 goals.
The draw has left Barcelona in third place, a point behind Girona in second place and eight points behind arch-rivals and league leaders Real Madrid.
Xavi Hernandez’s team has a decent recent home record in the Spanish top flight, winning three of their previous five home games in La Liga. The home team’s main strength on home soil in the Spanish top flight of late, scoring at least two goals in five of their last six home games.
Real Mallorca unbeaten in three gamesThe Islanders are unbeaten in three games in all competitions after a shock 1-0 home win over Girona last time out. Despite that relatively decent recent run of form, Mallorca has won just two of their previous nine games in La Liga.
The game against Girona saw Javier Aguirre’s team keep their first clean sheet in nine matches in the Spanish top flight.
Mallorca have been poor on their travellers of late in the Spanish top-flight, as they are winless in the previous ten away games in La Liga.
The Islanders have struggled to find the net away from home in the Spanish top flight, failing to score in six of their last eight outings.
What am I backing?Barcelona have not been in great recent form. However, I am backing the Catalan giants to have too much quality for the visitors.
