MATCH OVERVIEW

In this clash, Real Valladolid will host RCD Mallorca and it promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams need important points in La Liga. Traditionally, Valladolid has been the team known for their fighting spirit and discipline on the pitch which should be capitalized on, playing at home, in their José Zorrilla. Meanwhile, Mallorca has already secured the mid-table placement this season and looks to keep collecting points in the away games. As both teams are situated at similar positions on the points table, neither of them can afford to lose this game, as the ambitions are high for both of them.

MATCH DETAIL

• Date & Time: September 28, 2024, at 00:30
• Venue: José Zorrilla, Valladolid

PITCH REPORT

The pitch at José Zorrilla is known to favour teams that have a solid passing game. The field is usually well-maintained, with a slightly dry surface which can increase the pace of the ball, favouring quick transitions and counter-attacks. While both teams will need to adapt to the potentially fast conditions, Real Valladolid will be more familiar with the home turf.

POINTS TABLE

TEAM A (REAL VALLADOLID) ANALYSIS

• Key Player: Sergio León has been influential in the attack for Valladolid. His physique not only helps him hold up the ball but also enables him to score key goals. Therefore, his role, especially if Valladolid’s attack is blunted by a resolute Mallorca defence, is expected to be crucial.
• Probable Playing XI: Jordi Masip (GK), Luis Pérez, Javi Sánchez, Joaquín Fernández, Lucas Rosa, Monchu, Iván Sánchez, Roque Mesa, Kike Pérez, Gonzalo Plata, Sergio León.

TEAM B (MALLORCA) ANALYSIS

• Key Player: Vedat Muriqi is Mallorca’s forward who is known for his aerial prowess and clinical finishing. His presence in the forward means Valladolid’s defence would be very wary, especially during set-piece situations.
• Probable Playing XI: Predrag Rajković (GK), Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, Jaume Costa, Dani Rodríguez, Idrissu Baba, Kang-in Lee, Antonio Sánchez, Vedat Muriqi, Amath Ndiaye.

DREAM11 PICK

• Captain: Vedat Muriqi (Mallorca)
• Vice-Captain: Sergio León (Valladolid)
• Other picks: Roque Mesa, Kang-in Lee, Gonzalo Plata, Luis Pérez.

PUBLIC OPINION

Fans would expect a close match with Valladolid slight favourites due to home advantage. However, given Mallorca’s resilience, the match would be very close. In addition, both sets of fans have to brace themselves for what would be a tactical battle. The outcome of the match is likely to be determined by a 1-0 score-line.

SWOT ANALYSIS – REAL VALLADOLID

Strengths: Valladolid’s strength is based on its ability to maintain good shape in defence. Since they are playing at home, they may opt to deploy an attacking game. The transition from defence to attack is an important factor that influences victories. Valladolid has a strong midfield made up of Roque Mesa and Monchu. They are always good in ball possession and can break play.

Weaknesses: Valladolid has not been consistent in front of the goal this season, and the chances that they miss may be the reason for them dropping to the bottom of the table. The squad has struggled in this area this season. However, the subs available are few, and Valladolid is at risk when players get injured or fatigued. The squad has further illustrated deficiency in handling setpieces, an area where Mallorca dominates.

Opportunities: One of the areas that Mallorca can be exploited in is vulnerability to pacey counterattacks. The squad can have the game wide and cross the ball into the box for Sergio León to capitalize on. Mallorca’s defence can also be pressed from the word go to take control of the game. With the wingers in good shape, the squad can control it from outside in.

Threats: Mallorca is strong on setpieces and high balls. The talismanic Vedat Muriqi could be a threat during dead balls. Valladolid’s back line should be on the lookout for this sad of the game. It can cost the squad. The only other threat is letting the guard down, which can disadvantage Valladolid in the late stages of the game.

SWOT ANALYSIS – RCD MALLORCA

Strengths: Mallorca has been very strong in the defence line, and with Antonio Raíllo in the back meaning the team cannot easily be broken down. Moreover, the team can maintain its defensive shape, and this is imposing a threat to any opposing team, especially when playing away from home. The team can also be strong when in attack since Vedat Muriqi, who is good in the air, is leading the attack and the attacking skills offered by Kang-in Lee support Mallorca with a dangerous attacking tool.

Weaknesses: The team is weak in that it tends to sit very deep in its defence efforts, and this will always prevent the team from resisting the pressure mounted on it by the opposing team. The attacking prowess is one-dimensional since Mallorca mainly relies on Muriqi’s aerial prowess to make the attack. Due to this effect, the team can also be weaker if Valladolid manages to mark out Muriqi and deny him the space for the headers during the attack.

Opportunities: Mallorca can capitalise on the frequent loss of concentration by Valladolid players, especially in the two wide areas. The strength of Mallorca’s attack may be used when Valladolid’s full-backs are highly pressed, quick wingers are used and crosses are used to enter into the sabotage. In addition, Mallorca can also capitalise on the set pieces situations since Valladolid has also shown weaknesses in defence especially when the aerial balls are used.

Threats: Mallorca may face hurdles when the goalkeeper decides to play a quick ball to the fullbacks, and the Valladolid players are quick to take advantage of the slow pace as Mallorca builds up its game. The threat of Valladolid finding a goal when Mallorca makes an error will be high, especially when Madrigal holds the ball before laying the door pass.

PREDICTION

Considering the form and quality of both teams, one should expect a rather tight game. Being warned at home, Real Valladolid will be able to outplay Mallorca somewhat, but the latter’s stable and strong defensive line will be able to adjust to the opponent’s performance. As a result, a 1-1 draw seems like a probable outcome.