La Liga Matchday 23 Preview: Prediction, And Team News

‎La Liga action heats up this weekend as the battle for the title intensifies, European qualification spots hang in the balance, and relegation-threatened teams fight for survival.

‎The focus will be on the matches of Barcelona and Real Madrid, both of whom face crucial fixtures that could shape the course of the season.

‎Barcelona Aim to Extend Lead Against Mallorca

‎Barcelona will look to open up a four-point lead at the top of La Liga when they host Mallorca at Nou on Saturday.

‎The Catalan giants currently sit one point ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, while Mallorca are 14th, just two points above the relegation zone, making this an important clash for both sides.

‎Form and Recent Performances

‎Barcelona have been in impressive form, winning their last two league matches against Real Oviedo and Elche. They also secured a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Albacete, and earlier lifted the Spanish Super Cup.

‎Hansi Flick’s side is balancing domestic and European commitments with skill, currently leading La Liga and preparing for the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

‎Mallorca, meanwhile, has had a difficult season, winning just one of its 11 away matches.

‎However, they arrive off a strong 4-1 victory over Sevilla and have won two of their last three games, including a win against Athletic Bilbao. While their recent form is encouraging, their poor record on the road remains a major concern.

‎Historical Context and Head-to-Head

‎Barcelona have dominated recent encounters with Mallorca, winning the last four meetings, including a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture this season.

‎They have not lost to Mallorca since May 2009 and are unbeaten at home against them since May 2008, making them clear favourites.

‎Injury and Squad Updates

‎Barcelona will be without Gavi, Pedri, and Andreas Christensen through injury, while Raphinha is doubtful. Flick may rotate the squad from the midweek Copa clash, potentially fielding Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin Lopez in midfield, with Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres forming the front three.

‎Prediction

‎Barcelona’s attacking prowess is expected to overwhelm Mallorca’s defence, though the visitors could still score. A 3-1 home win seems the most likely outcome.

‎Real Madrid Look for Vital Victory Against Valencia

‎Real Madrid continue their pursuit of the La Liga title with a key trip to Mestalla to face Valencia on Sunday.

‎The reigning champions are one point behind Barcelona, although the outcome of Barcelona’s earlier match could extend the gap at the top.

‎Recent Form and League Context

‎Real Madrid have been in excellent league form, winning their last six matches against teams including Alaves, Sevilla, and Levante.

‎They enter this fixture after a break, having been eliminated from the Copa del Rey last week, allowing them to focus on their league ambitions.

‎Valencia, sitting 16th, has had a mixed campaign. Despite home struggles, they have recently secured two wins from three league games and have shown the ability to challenge stronger teams.

‎The hosts will look to exploit Real Madrid’s absences and home advantage at Mestalla.

‎Injury and Suspension Concerns

‎Real Madrid will be without Vinicius Junior due to suspension, while Jude Bellingham faces three weeks out with a hamstring injury. Eder Militao is sidelined, while Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, and Trent Alexander-Arnold could return.

‎Rodrygo is a late doubt, with Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono in contention to feature in attack.

‎Valencia are missing Cristian Rivero (suspension) and Mouctar Diakhaby (hamstring), with Thierry Correia a late fitness doubt. Hugo Duro is expected to feature in the attack, adding experience and threat against the champions.

‎Prediction

‎Real Madrid’s depth and quality should see them navigate a tricky trip to Valencia, but a tightly contested match is expected. A 2-1 win for Los Blancos is the predicted outcome.

‎Real Sociedad Hosts Elche in Push for Europe

‎Real Sociedad will aim to continue their strong run when they host Elche on Saturday. The Basque side is currently eighth in La Liga, six points behind sixth-placed Espanyol, while Elche is 13th, narrowly avoiding the relegation zone.

‎Form and Head-to-Head

‎Sociedad are unbeaten in nine consecutive games across all competitions, including a Copa del Rey quarter-final win over Alaves. They have not lost to Elche in La Liga since 2015 and will aim to exploit the visitors’ struggles on the road.

‎Squad News

‎Real Sociedad will miss Inaki Ruperez, Takefusa Kubo, and Unai Marrero, while Brais Mendez is suspended. Mikel Oyarzabal remains a key attacking threat. Elche will be without Hector Fort and could be missing Rafa Mir and Josan.

‎Prediction

‎Given Sociedad’s current form and Elche’s poor away record, a 2-1 home win for La Real seems likely.

‎Sevilla Take on Girona in Mid-Table Clash

‎Sevilla and Girona face off on Saturday in a mid-table battle, with both teams looking to improve their league positions. Sevilla sits 15th, just two points above the relegation zone, while Girona is 12th.

‎Sevilla entered the match after a 4-1 defeat to Mallorca, and Girona suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Oviedo. Both sides have injury concerns, with Sevilla missing Marcao and Ruben Vargas, and Girona sidelined players including Juan Carlos and Donny van de Beek.

‎A 1-1 draw appears to be the most probable outcome in this evenly matched contest.

‎Rayo Vallecano vs Real Oviedo

‎Rayo Vallecano and Real Oviedo clash in a crucial relegation battle at Vallecas Stadium. Rayo are 18th, while Oviedo occupy the bottom of the table.

‎Rayo have struggled this season, with only two home wins, while Oviedo have managed just five away points. Both sides have limited attacking output and are missing key players through injury or suspension.

‎This close encounter could go either way, but Rayo are slightly favoured to secure a narrow victory.