La Liga Preview: Real Sociedad Hosts Mallorca in Crucial Mid-Table Clash

As the Spanish La Liga season reaches its climax, Real Sociedad is set to host Mallorca at the Reale Arena in a crucial mid-table clash. With both teams vying for a top-half finish, this match promises to be an exciting encounter. In this preview, we'll delve into the team news, head-to-head statistics, and key players to watch out for in this highly anticipated match.

Team News

Real Sociedad, currently sitting in 7th place, will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby. The team has been plagued by injuries, with key players such as Mikel Oyarzabal and Adnan Januzaj still sidelined. However, the return of striker Willian José from suspension will be a significant boost to the team's attacking lineup.

Mallorca, on the other hand, has been experiencing a resurgence in form, with two consecutive wins against Espanyol and Levante. The team's new coach, Luis García Plaza, has brought a renewed sense of optimism, and the players will be looking to continue their winning streak. Midfielder Dani Rodríguez will be missing due to suspension, but the team's top scorer, Ante Budimir, is expected to lead the attack.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head record between Real Sociedad and Mallorca is evenly matched, with both teams having won 10 matches each in their 24 encounters. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-0 win for Real Sociedad, with Willian José scoring the only goal. Mallorca's last win at the Reale Arena was in 2013, and they will be looking to end their six-year drought.

Key Players to Watch

For Real Sociedad, the focus will be on Willian José, who has been in impressive form this season, scoring 8 goals in 20 appearances. The Brazilian striker's physical presence and clinical finishing will be crucial in breaking down Mallorca's defense. Midfielder Mikel Merino will also be key in controlling the tempo of the game and creating scoring opportunities.

For Mallorca, Ante Budimir will be the main threat, having scored 9 goals in 22 appearances. The Croatian striker's pace and agility will be a challenge for Real Sociedad's defense, and his ability to score from anywhere on the pitch makes him a valuable asset. Midfielder Salva Sevilla will also be important in providing creativity and width to Mallorca's attack.

Prediction

This match promises to be an intense and closely contested encounter, with both teams having a lot to play for. Real Sociedad's home advantage and the return of Willian José will give them an edge, but Mallorca's recent form and the threat of Ante Budimir cannot be underestimated. A 2-1 win for Real Sociedad is predicted, but Mallorca will certainly push them all the way.

Don't miss this exciting La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Mallorca, live on Yahoo Sports. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 CET on [Date]. With both teams fighting for a top-half finish, this match is sure to be an entertaining and unpredictable encounter.

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