Mallorca-Deportivo

By: Jeremy | March 21st, 2008

With 10 weeks left in the season and a relegation spot still wide open, the game this week against Deportivo is pretty important. With Mallorcas results to date putting Europe out of the question, the goal now is simply to avoid relegation, which with the talent on this club, shouldnt even be under consideration.

It has really been a strange year and Im sure many fans like myself have become frustrated that all we can do is play draws. Until last weeks loss at Espanyol, another game where a draw would have been a more fair result, I dont think we had lost any of our previous nine matches. The problem is seven of them were draws so little advancement was made in the standings. With the bottom half of the table providing two easy relegation candidates and the rest scoring points on almost an equal level, that one last relegation spot could go to anyone, including Deportivo.

To say this has been a disappoing year for Deportivo is an understatement. Until their recent improved form, it was a strong argument that they might be the third team relegated. While they are level on points with Mallorca at 34, they still have to be careful. It seems like they were always a club that could be counted on for Champions League football and because management simply has not kept the train of players coming in to beautiful La Coruna, their performance in La Liga has become mediocre.

Anytime you can get a home match, you have to be happy so Mallorca has the advantage. The question is which team will show up? Is it the team that thrashed Recreativo 7-1 or will it be the team that will lose 3-2 or more likely draw 2-2? While the offense is typically good, the defense cant stop anyone. On the rare day when the defense plays strong, the offense is stagnant. Being a Mallorca fan has to be especially frustrating this year because of it.

Mallorca god Ibagaza wont play because of suspension so that wont help. Deportivo should have a full squad. Rumor has it that Webo might finally suit up for Mallorca. Where has he been all year? So much for thinking he might be Etoo redux.

With Mallorcas history of playing to draws, common sense says this game is likely to end 1-1. However, at home, with the awesome Mallorca fans rooting them on at the Ono Estadi, I think Mallorca will find a way to win. With a tough upcming schedule and relegation still not out of the question, its a game like this they need and must win. Manzano should have the boys ready and hopefully Guiza or Arango comes up big because he cant count on the defense. A bad result will go along way towards confirming my belief that there is now a lot of player uncertainty and stagnation within this club which will be discussed later.

Prediction Mallorca 3-2.

Enjoy your weekend La Liga fans.