Kick-off: Friday, 29th November 2024, at 21:00 CET (20:00 UTC)
On Friday night, RCD Mallorca host Valencia CF at the Visit Mallorca Estadi in a LaLiga fixture. Both teams are aiming to secure valuable points, with Mallorca looking to climb into the top half of the table, while Valencia seek to solidify their mid-table standing. A defensive and closely fought battle is expected between two sides that rely heavily on their structure and discipline.
Form Analysis: RCD Mallorca
RCD Mallorca are currently 13th in LaLiga, with 16 points from 13 matches. Their record includes four wins, four draws, and five losses. The Balearic Island side has struggled in front of goal, scoring only 12 times, but their defence has been relatively solid, conceding 14 goals this season.
In their last five matches, Mallorca have secured two wins, one draw, and two losses. A 1-0 victory over Alavés showcased their defensive organisation and ability to grind out results, but their 0-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid exposed their inability to handle high-pressing teams.
Key players for Mallorca include Vedat Muriqi, who has been their primary goal threat, and Dani Rodríguez, who provides creativity in the midfield. In defence, Antonio Raíllo and Martin Valjent form a strong partnership, offering stability and resilience.
Form Analysis: Valencia CF
Valencia sits in 11th place with 18 points from 13 matches. Their record includes five wins, three draws, and five losses. While Valencia have been slightly more prolific than Mallorca, scoring 15 goals, their defensive fragility has been a concern, with 17 goals conceded.
In their last five matches, Valencia have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. A 2-1 victory over Cádiz highlighted their ability to secure crucial points, but a 1-2 defeat to Real Sociedad underlined their inconsistency. Away from home, Valencia have struggled to impose their style, often relying on counterattacks.
Key players for Valencia include Hugo Duro, who leads their attack, and Pepelu, who anchors the midfield. At the back, Mouctar Diakhaby has been their most consistent defender, though lapses in concentration have cost them points in several matches.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The last five meetings between Mallorca and Valencia have been evenly matched, with each side claiming two wins and one game ending in a draw. Their most recent clash in April 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla, with both teams struggling to break down well-organised defences.
Historically, Mallorca have performed better at home against Valencia, leveraging their compact style and disciplined defence. Valencia, meanwhile, have relied on quick transitions and set pieces to create chances in these encounters.
Tactical Analysis
Mallorca are expected to line up in their usual 5-3-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and counterattacks. Vedat Muriqi will lead the line, supported by Dani Rodríguez, who will look to exploit Valencia’s defensive vulnerabilities. In midfield, Idrissu Baba will be crucial in breaking up Valencia’s attacks and providing cover for the backline.
Valencia are likely to deploy a 4-4-2 system, aiming for balance between defence and attack. Hugo Duro and Diego López will form the strike partnership, with Pepelu orchestrating from midfield. The wide players, Fran Pérez and Thierry Correia, will look to stretch Mallorca’s defence and deliver crosses into the box.
Predicted Lineups
- RCD Mallorca (5-3-2): Predrag Rajković – Pablo Maffeo, Antonio Raíllo, Martin Valjent, José Copete, Jaume Costa – Idrissu Baba, Dani Rodríguez, Manu Morlanes – Vedat Muriqi, Amath Ndiaye.
- Valencia CF (4-4-2): Giorgi Mamardashvili – Thierry Correia, Mouctar Diakhaby, Gabriel Paulista, Jesús Vázquez – Fran Pérez, Pepelu, Hugo Guillamón, José Gayà – Hugo Duro, Diego López.
Betting Options and Odds
- Draw & Under 2.5 Goals (Odds: 3.20): Both teams are defensively focused, making a low scoring draw the most likely outcome.
- Both Teams to Score – No (Odds: 1.90): Given their attacking struggles, one or both sides could fail to find the net.
- Vedat Muriqi to Score Anytime (Odds: 2.80): Muriqi remains Mallorca’s main goal threat and could capitalise on set-piece opportunities.
Betting Tip & Prediction: RCD Mallorca – Valencia CF (29.11.2024)
This fixture is expected to be a low-scoring and closely contested battle. Both teams rely on their defensive organisation, and chances will likely be at a premium. A draw seems the most probable result in what could be a cagey encounter.
Prediction: Draw & Under 2.5 Goals (Odds: 3.20), with a likely scoreline of 0-0 or 1-1.
OUR Prediction
RCD Mallorca – Valencia CF (29.11.2024)
Draw & Under 2.5 Goals | Odds: 3,20 |