Date and time : 2nd January ; 21:00 CET
Stadium : Estadi de Son Moix
Competition : La Liga
Referee : Mateu Lahoz

Overview

The new year brought with it a very unpleasant give for Xavi and Barcelona. All the optimism heading into the first game of 2022 was crushed when players began testing positive for COVID early survive week. In a matter of hours, a many as ten-spot Blaugrana players were unavailable through the contraction of the virus. Add to that the rebuff check in the return of other starters and Xavi has a soup of a situation at his hands.

With the series of setbacks, Sunday ’ s clash against RCD Mallorca becomes an uphill task for the director. The hosts have not been the most convert of sides this class, but their gain against Atletico Madrid last calendar month is a clear warn of the threat they can pose .

What to expect from Mallorca

Earlier this workweek, Mallorca announced that four members of the senior police squad and three from the coaching staff had tested cocksure for COVID. however, the spanish side did not reveal the identities of the moved individuals, reportedly in an try to obfuscate the impingement on their police squad. That said, it will be difficult at predicting the approach of the Palma kit without knowing the personnel available. hera is a expression at a possible batting order they can field. Manolo Reina will start in finish. The Spaniard has been shaky in goal, conceding over three goals in every two games. furthermore, Mallorca conceded four goals in their last league outing before Christmas. Martin Valjent and Aleksandar Sedlar are the expect centre-backs at Son Moix. Pablo Maffeo has been one of the team ’ second best players this season at right-back and will continue to run rampant v Mallorca. The right-back stead will be filled by Jaume Costa .Maffeo will be a tough one at the back. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images) In the midfield, the pivot will be Iddrisu Baba and Inigo Galarreta, while the the four-man fire that Luis Garcia believes in involves three players playing behind the center fore, Angel Rodriguez. In the quad behind the Number 22 will be Dani Rodriguez, Takefusa Kubo and Kang-in Lee at the right, center and left positions respectively. Probable Mallorca XI (4-2-3-1): Reina ; Maffeo, Sedlar, Valjent, Costa ; Baba, Galarreta ; D. Rodriguez, Kubo, Lee ; A. Rodriguez

What to expect from Barcelona

Two goalkeepers, six defenders, two midfielders, and a forward are all Xavi has from the first-team squad heading to Son Moix. however, a few names of the B team like Nico Gonzalez and Ferran Jutgla are about synonymous with the first team number nowadays and will be available. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to start on the night, albeit under hard press. His recent performances have let doubt creep in over his future at the club. It will be cardinal for him to stay solid at the back. Xavi could opt for a four-man backline, particularly given the extraordinary site. Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia will start as the centre-backs. however, it is at the full-back positions that the spotlight will be on. With all-natural players of the department ruled out, Oscar Mingueza could start at left-back as he has done numerous times before. The right-back nothingness will likely be filled by Ronald Araujo. Despite being a solid column in Barcelona ’ sulfur central defense, the lack of options will force the Uruguayan to play out wide-eyed.

The suspension Sergio Busquets picked up after his yellow menu at Sevilla truly has come rear to bite the team. His inaccessibility alongside the absence of Gavi means that Nico and Frenkie de Jong will be deployed as a double over pivot on the night. While this approach makes the defense bouncy, it will increase the coerce on the attacking midfielder, Riqui Puig. With a begin identical probable on the night, the child will look to capitalise .Riqui will have to play the game of his life. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) In attack, Luuk de Jong will get a beginning as the centre-forward despite being linked with an die. Ousmane Dembele ’ s inaccessibility comes equally music to Ilias Akomach ‘ sulfur ears, for he could well be in the begin lineup. The concluding assemble of the puzzle would be Ferran Jutgla, who will start on the leftist. Probable Barcelona XI (4-2-1-3): ter Stegen ; Araujo, Pique, Eric, Mingueza ; Nico, de Jong ; Puig ; Ilias, Luuk, Jutgla

Marquee Player

Kang-in Lee

Kang-in Lee is Mallorca’s best hope. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images) Kong-in Lee has been a vital function of Luis Garcia ’ s side since his arrival in the summer. Joining on a free transfer, the Korean has been a force to reckon with on the wing. Mallorca have not scored an amazing bunch this season, but Lee has been at the center of most chances created. He has three goal contributions, and has created four big chances, apart from averaging 1.2 key passes per game .

Match Facts

Mallorca previous games: LWDWW Granada 4-1 Mallorca| La Liga
UD Llanera 0-6 Mallorca | Copa de Rey
Mallorca 0-0 Celta Vigo| La Liga
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Mallorca | La Liga
Gimnastica Segoviana 0-2 Mallorca | Copa del Rey Barcelona previous games: DWLDL Sevilla 1-1 Barcelona| La Liga
Barcelona 3-2 Elche | La Liga
Barcelona 1 ( 2 ) – ( 4 ) 1 Boca Juniors | Maradona Cup Friendly
Osasuna 2-2 Barcelona| La Liga
Bayern Munich 3-0 Barcelona| UEFA Champions League

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Head-to-head record

Mallorca 0-4 Barcelona | La Liga 2019-20
Barcelona 5-2 Mallorca| La Liga 2019-20
Barcelona 5-0 Mallorca| La Liga 2012-13
Mallorca 2-4 Barcelona | La Liga 2012-13
Barcelona 2-0 Mallorca| La Liga 2011-12

Key stats

  • Barcelona have gone seven games without a clean sheet.
  • Mallorca have lost their last seven games against the Catalans.
  • Barcelona have scored in their last 20 games against Mallorca.
  • The last time Mallorca won against Barcelona was in 2009.
  • Xavi Hernandez’s first goal for Barcelona came against Mallorca.

Prediction

The game will not be adenine easy as history suggests, particularly given the badly depleted squad. Barcelona ’ s relatively blunt attack will make it unmanageable for the Catalans to score. Players like Nico, Frenkie de Jong and Riqui Puig will be more crucial than ever, while some youngsters will have to step it up in the approach. With four CBs at the back, though, the defensive structure looks solid. Barça Universal prediction: Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona