On paper, this would seem like an easy victory for the traveling Blaugrana but the injuries sustained by players during the international break could prove to be crucial. The two Barcelona defenders who were hurt during the break are Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé.
Koundé is set to miss a little over a month and Araújo is targeting a late December or early January return after undergoing successful surgery. This is a huge blow for Barcelona as their defense has been stellar to begin this season, conceding only one goal so far in La Liga play.
Barcelona coach Xavi will have to look at his options on the bench now to fill the holes in the backline. These injuries to the Barcelona defense gives Mallorca a chance to potentially grab a point or three in this home fixture.
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Let’s dive into the best bets and odds for this weekend’s match between Mallorca and Barcelona.
Ani Sridhar’s 2022-23 La Liga Betting Record: 12-11, (+3.4 Units)
Mallorca vs Barcelona Odds
- 3-way handicap: Barcelona (-275) | Draw (+400) | Elche (+725)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 ( -165) | Under 2.5 (+20)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (-110) | No (-130)
Mallorca vs Barcelona odds are current as of 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 29, at BetMGM Sportsbook.
Barcelona are heavy favorites to win but it might end up being a close game as well as a high-scoring affair. With the changes Barcelona will have to make on defense, there is value in betting on both teams to score in this contest.
Mallorca vs Barcelona Betting Tips
History is not on Mallorca’s side in this fixture as they have lost nine straight La Liga matches against Barcelona. They are also win-less in their last 12 games against the Catalans. The home side will line up in a 5-3-2 formation with emphasis on the counter attack.
On the contrary, Barcelona will look to control possession and methodically make their way behind the Mallorca backline.
Xavi has his work cut out for him as the size and speed of Araújo will not be easily replaced on the Barcelona backline. The veteran Gerard Piqué might be asked to re-enter the starting lineup and lead the team’s defense.
The 21-year-old Eric García will take on an expanded role, as well, and will face a mismatch against the 6’4 Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi.
Barcelona has the lowest expected goal against number among the big five leagues at 3.6 but without two key pieces of their defense, there could be some liabilities. The visitors should still grab three points this weekend but it could prove to be a tough test.
The positive for Barcelona is that their dynamic attack will not be changed as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Ousmane Dembélé are all healthy.
Mallorca vs Barcelona Prediction
Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona
Mallorca conceded four goals against Real Madrid before the international break and will face an attack that is arguably better. Dembélé has been one of the best players in the world so far this season and will look to exploit the left side of the Mallorca defense.
Xavi could rotate the lineup in the second half of the game as the Barcelona upcoming schedule is daunting. They will play two games against Inter Milan in the Champions League before El Clásico on Oct. 16.
Mallorca vs Barcelona Best Bets
Both Teams to Score (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Mallorca is catching Barcelona at the right time as the changes to the back line of the Catalans could provide the home side with a lot of quality goal-scoring opportunities. Even if the Blaugrana defense remains strong, there will be some learning curves with players defending together for the first time this season.
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Over 3.5 Goals (+145) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Barcelona offense is one of the best in the world rankings, trailing only PSG among the big five leagues in expected goals so far this season with 18.6. They will rely on their dynamic attack to lead them to victory and control possession so their new-look defense is not put in difficult positions.
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