Mallorca-Numancia

By: Jeremy | September 24th, 2008

Week four hits us quick as we get a little midweek action at home against newly promoted Numancia. Numancia gets welcomed back to the big leagues with their opening three games against arguably the best three teams in La Liga. Suprsingly they held their own and sit on three points, one ahead of Mallorca. Numancia opened the season with a 1-0 win against Barca and then fought hard in 4-3 and 2-1 losses to Real Madrid and Villarreal respectively. The team has to be pleased with its start.

Mallorca is still trying to find itself with the loss of so many star players in the offseason combined with the new players talent level still up for debate. With an opening day loss to Valencia, a disappointing draw with Osasuna at home, and tough but acceptable draw on the road to Deportivo, the jury is still out on what kind of team we have in Palma this year. Facing newly promoted sides at home should generate three points, but Numancia may not be an easy victim.

To say Mallorca needs to win this game is an understatement. If they lose to newly promoted teams at home, it is a clear indication that we may be relegation fodder ourselves. Although the general consensus is that our team should struggle every year considering its size and financial status, we still should not be fighting for relegation, especially after coming off a great year. The money spent on the new players should pay dividends at some point, but this is the week it needs to start.

With the pressure on and the home crowd behind them, expect Mallorca to play better. Numancia could easily have a let down in a more subdued environment against a weak team when compared to its first three games. If they are going to be a solid La Liga club and not go back down, this is a game they need to get points so something has to give.

I like to think our lineup continues to solidify and that we actually break out and score some goals this week.

Prediction

Mallorca 3-1 Numancia