Mallorca now nine months without an away win

Real Zaragoza, with the remainder of 2011 fast disappearing, prop up the La Liga table attaining just 10 points in 14 games. And on Sunday, they will entertain Joaquín Caparrós’ Real Mallorca side at La Romareda.

Los Bermellones have their own problems. Good performances have been blighted by the lack of a natural goalscorer meaning they have only taken 15 points from 14 games and lie in 14th place in La Liga. And they have failed to register an away with in nine months, since their 1-0 win over Espanyol in Catalonia back in March after goals from Nsue and Webó turned round a one goal deficit.

In fact, Mallorca’s away form is so poor that they have only taken 9 points out of a possible 51 in their 17 away in matches in 2011.

The task ahead also isn’t helped with seven players ruled out of the game. Kevin, Alfaro, Tejera, Aki and Martí Crespí all have knocks. Nunes is given the week off after playing the final 30 minutes against Granada. And Marvin Ogunjimi is still ineligible to make his Mallorca debut.

Despite these players ruled out, Caparrós seems more likely to take an attacking approach to this game in a desperate search of three points – something they have failed to do for the majority of the season despite steady performances. A more open 4-4-2 formation could be the tactic of choice with Cáceres welcomed back to the defensive line following his return from injury. Bigas is also available again following his return from suspension if Cáceres is deemed unfit.

There is a real battle for places in midfield. Pereira is likely to start on the right wing whilst Chori Castro and Emilio Nsue will battle it out for a place on the left wing. Nsue’s lack of a final product could see him drop to the bench. Meanwhile, Pep Martí has returned to the squad but could find it too difficult to displace Tomás Pina, a clear favourite of Caparrós, and the impressive Fernando Tissone.

Somehow too, Álvaro is likely to be chosen ahead of both Tomer Hemed and Víctor Casadesús with the latter two battling for the second striker’s role. Following another goal from the penalty spot in midweek, Hemed might be given the chance over local Víctor.

In line with the Mallorca way, their results against easier La Liga opposition teams are poor despite encouraging results against the better teams. But Zaragoza is a real chance to record three points. A good performance alone will not suffice this week.

Aouate

Zuiverloon – Ramis – Chico – Cáceres

Pereira – Pina – Tissone – Nsue

Hemed – Álvaro

Squad

Goalkeepers: Aouate, Calatayud.
Defenders: Zuiverloon, Cendrós, Ramis, Chico, Cáceres, Bigas.
Midfielders: Tissone, Pina, Pereira, João Victor, Castro, Martí, Nsue.
Strikers: Hemed, Álvaro, Víctor.