Real Madrid vs Mallorca Preview

Topics: Real Madrid, Real Mallorca, La Liga

Real Madrid will be in the comfort of their home this Saturday. Los Blancos are aiming to keep hold of the second spot in La Liga. Victory against Mallorca would ensure just that.

Team news

Jose Mourinho is expected to play his strong possible squad in the absence of Angel Di Maria and Iker Casillas who are both nearing recovery. The Real Madrid coach will have to choose between Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain for the striker role. The latter is poised to start ahead of his French team mate.

Kaka has made good use of his playing minutes this year. His contribution in midfield cannot be denied. The Brazilian is likely to partner with Özil and Ronaldo as Los Blancos will be hunting for goals at home to Mallorca.

Varane is fit and should start ahead of Pepe in defence with Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Arbeloa and skipper Sergio Ramos. Diego Lopez has been very reliable in post since replacing Iker Casillas in January. Jose Mourinho could choose to rest him for Antonio Adan after an intense month of action.

Meanwhile, the visitors must do with several exclusions. Javi Marquez and Marti are suspended and will not face Real Madrid. Coach Gregorio Manzano wants to build on team play. His plans seem to have worked so far as goals do not only go to club top scorer Tomer Hemed anymore.

Real Mallorca might go with a 4-3-3 formation Victor and Santos teaming up with Alfaro upfront. Last week, the latter was the hero with a brace which offered his side a vital 2-1 win over Sevilla. Mallorca are actively working towards survival in the Spanish La Liga. With 11 matches to go, they occupy the 18th position, two points away from safety.