RCD MallorcavsDeportivo Alaves

A Tale of Two Struggles

RCD Mallorca and Deportivo Alaves are set to clash in what promises to be a tightly contested match. Both teams have been navigating turbulent waters recently, with Mallorca sitting in sixth place in La Liga, while Alaves is fighting to escape the relegation zone at 18th. Despite their differing positions, both teams have shown inconsistent form, making this encounter a fascinating one.

Mallorca's Mixed Fortunes

Mallorca's recent form has been a rollercoaster. They have not won in their last four games, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Villarreal. However, their home record against Alaves is formidable, having never lost to them in their last 14 encounters at home. The unveiling of the 'RCD Mallorca' plane has been a morale booster, but on the pitch, they need to find consistency. Vedat Muriqi remains a key player, with 6 goals this season, but the team needs more from their supporting cast to break their winless streak.

Alaves' Defensive Woes

Deportivo Alaves, on the other hand, is grappling with defensive issues, exacerbated by the injury to their goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. His absence is a significant blow, as he has been a reliable presence between the sticks. The return of defender Garces offers some hope, but his adaptation to La Liga's pace will be crucial. Alaves' recent form is slightly better than Mallorca's, but they have struggled to convert draws into wins, a trend they must reverse to climb out of the relegation zone.

Historical Stalemates

Historically, matches between these two sides have often ended in draws, with the most common result being 0-0. In their last five meetings, there have been three draws, including a 1-1 stalemate in their most recent encounter. Both teams have averaged 0.8 goals against each other, suggesting a low-scoring affair might be on the cards. However, given both teams' defensive vulnerabilities, there is a good chance both will find the net.

Prediction

Considering the historical context and current form, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Both teams are struggling to find consistent form, and their recent performances suggest a closely fought battle. Expect both teams to score, but neither to dominate. This match could very well end in a 1-1 draw, reflecting their recent head-to-head encounters.