Mallorca vs. Athletic: Pregame

Mallorca

Mallorca will look to continue their impressive start to the season when they host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The islanders currently sit in fifth place in the La Liga standings, just two points behind fourth-place Atletico Madrid. Mallorca have won their last three league games, including a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid last weekend.

Manager Luis Garcia Plaza has a number of injury concerns ahead of the match. Defender Martin Valjent is suspended, while midfielder Iddrisu Baba and forward Amath Ndiaye are both doubtful. However, Garcia Plaza is expected to have a strong side available, with Takefusa Kubo, Dani Rodriguez, and Vedat Muriqi all set to start.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Real Madrid last weekend. The Basques were beaten 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be keen to make amends against Mallorca.

Manager Ernesto Valverde has a number of selection headaches ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Unai Simon, defender Inigo Martinez, and midfielder Ander Herrera are all injured, while forward Inaki Williams is suspended. However, Valverde is expected to have a strong side available, with Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Raul Garcia all set to start.

Head-to-Head

Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao have met 30 times in La Liga, with Athletic Bilbao winning 13 games to Mallorca's 9. The two sides have drawn 8 times.

Prediction

Mallorca are in good form at the moment and will be confident of getting a result against Athletic Bilbao. However, Athletic Bilbao are a dangerous side and will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Real Madrid. I think the match will be close, but I think Mallorca will edge it 2-1.