Mallorca have shown some improvement lately following the run of three straight defeats and the hosts are looking to continue the god run of results and thus stay clear of the relegation zone. Los Che have returned to winning ways against Granada and are hoping to record second away win of the season.

Mallorca improving

Having finished last season just one point above the relegated teams, Mallorca were expected to reinforce the squad over the summer and thus avoid a similar scenario, but they did no such thing. The club allowed key players Pierre Webo and Jonathan De Guzman to leave, whereas they signed several average players at best, so nobody was surprised to see them struggling at the start of the season. Following the opening win over Espanyol, Mallorca recorded three straight defeats, losing to Real Betis, Malaga and Villarreal, without scoring a single goal in the process. The Islanders showed some improvement to beat Real Sociedad at home before sharing spoils with Osasuna away, but they, nevertheless, face a tough task against very good Valencia side. Former Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros arrived to replace Michael Laudrup, but he will certainly need some time to make this team his own.

Defenders Kevin Garcia, Pablo Caceres and Jose Nunes are all sidelined, which is likely to create additional problems at the back.

Los Che back to winning ways

Seeing that talented coach Unai Emery found a way to keep Valencia near the top of the La Liga standings even when he stayed without David Villa and David Silva, I certainly had no doubts that he would do the same when Juan Manuel Mata left for Chelsea this summer. Los Che indeed enjoyed a great start to the season, winning first three league games before largely impressing in the 2:2 draw with mighty Barcelona at Mestalla. Numerous changes that Emery made in the game against Sevilla ended up costing his side precious points against los Rojiblancos, but Valencia returned to winning ways by beating Granada at home and are now looking for the second away win of the season. I am really impressed with how los Che look this season, with plenty of talent in every area of the team, and what is even more impressive is that they work really well as a team. Therefore, I really expect them to beat Mallorca and thus remain very close to the top of La Liga.

Tino Costa and Hedwiges Maduro miss out through injury, whereas Ever Banega is unlikely to start because of fatigue.

Verdict

Mallorca have been far from impressive at the start of the league campaign and unless they show a massive improvement, I seriously doubt the Islanders can match a very good Valencia side. Los Che have been in very good form of late and they look more than capable of picking up all three points in this clash.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.30 (13/10)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power

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