Mallorca vs Athletic Club Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Mallorca will host Athletic Club at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Saturday, 17 January, in what promises to be an intriguing LaLiga encounter. This match is a significant fixture for both teams as they look to climb the league standings. Mallorca, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiar surroundings to secure vital points. Meanwhile, Athletic Club, known for their resilient performances, will be eager to challenge their hosts and improve their position in the league.

The Estadi Mallorca Son Moix will be the battleground where these two Spanish sides clash, each with their own ambitions in LaLiga. Mallorca’s home advantage could play a crucial role, but Athletic Club’s experience and tactical prowess cannot be underestimated. As both teams vie for supremacy, this match offers an exciting opportunity for bettors to explore various betting options, with the potential for a closely contested affair.

Mallorca vs Athletic Club Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Mallorca to win	3.59

Based on current form and home advantage, our recommended betting tip is a win for Mallorca. Their solid defensive organisation and effective counter-attacks make them a formidable opponent at home, even against a possession-dominant team like Athletic Club.

• Mallorca have scored in 89% of their home matches this season, showcasing their offensive capabilities at home.
• Athletic Club can struggle against compact, defensively organised teams, which plays into Mallorca’s strengths.
• Historical head-to-head results favour Mallorca slightly, suggesting they have a psychological edge in this fixture.

Betting Odds

Mallorca are hosting Athletic Club at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, and the betting odds suggest a competitive clash. Athletic Club are slight favourites with odds of 2.22, reflecting their stronger league position and recent form. However, Mallorca’s odds of 3.59 offer value for those backing a home upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Mallorca to win	3.59
Back the Draw	3.01
Back Athletic Club to win	2.22

The draw, priced at 3.01, is also tempting given both teams’ tendency to share points in tight encounters. Punters might also find interest in the over 2.5 goals market, considering both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Mallorca Analysis & Past Performance

Mallorca’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five matches yielding one win, two losses, and two draws. They recently suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano, highlighting their vulnerabilities on the road. This inconsistency is reflected in their overall standing, as they currently sit 17th in LaLiga with 18 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Rayo Vallecano	Mallorca	2 – 1 (Loss)	LaLiga	11 Jan 2026
Mallorca	Girona	1 – 2 (Loss)	LaLiga	4 Jan 2026
Valencia	Mallorca	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	19 Dec 2025
Deportivo La Coruna	Mallorca	1 – 0 (Loss)	Copa del Rey	16 Dec 2025
Mallorca	Elche	3 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LLDLW

Mallorca’s attacking statistics show an average of 1.20 goals scored per game over their last five fixtures, while their defence has conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match. The team struggles to keep clean sheets, having failed to do so in their recent outings. Despite these challenges, they have managed to score in four of their last five games, suggesting some attacking potential, primarily driven by their top scorer, Vedat Muriqi, who has netted 11 goals this season.

Mallorca Suspensions & Injuries

Mallorca will be notably impacted by the suspension of their influential right-back, Pablo Maffeo, due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence will necessitate a defensive reshuffle, likely promoting Mateu Morey to fill the void at right-back. This change could slightly alter the dynamics of Mallorca’s backline, potentially affecting their defensive solidity and ability to transition play effectively from the flanks.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Games Left	Expected Return
Pablo Maffeo	Accumulated Yellow Cards	1	TBD

In terms of injuries, the absence of Antonio Raíllo due to a back injury until late January 2026 could weaken the central defensive partnership, although Martin Valjent is expected to step up in his stead. Additionally, Manu Morlanes’ muscle injury sidelines him until the same period, which may reduce the depth in midfield, but with Omar Mascarell and Toni Lato available, the team should maintain its midfield balance.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Iván Cuéllar	Fitness issues	Doubtful
Antonio Raíllo	Back injury	Late January 2026
Manu Morlanes	Muscle strain	Late January 2026

The physical discomfort of Iván Cuéllar leaves his participation in doubt, but with Leo Román fit and ready, the goalkeeping position remains secure. These absences might slightly affect Mallorca’s depth and tactical flexibility, but the core starting lineup remains largely intact, offering continuity in their tactical approach.

Mallorca Key Players

Mallorca’s top scorer, Vedat Muriqi, is undoubtedly the focal point of their offensive strategy. With an impressive tally of 11 goals, Muriqi’s physical presence and aerial prowess make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His ability to hold up play allows Mallorca to transition smoothly from defence to attack, often bringing teammates into play.

In midfield, Omar Mascarell stands out as a playmaker, orchestrating the tempo with his precise passing and vision. His partnership with Antonio Sánchez offers a blend of creativity and defensive solidity, crucial for maintaining balance in the middle of the park. At the back, Martin Valjent is pivotal in defence, providing leadership and resilience, particularly in aerial duels and organising the backline.

Expected lineup for Mallorca

• Goalkeeper: Leo Román
• Defenders: Mateu Morey, Martin Valjent, Johan Mojica, Marash Kumbulla
• Midfielders: Samu, Omar Mascarell, Toni Lato, Antonio Sánchez
• Forwards: Jan Virgili, Vedat Muriqi

The tactical impact of these players cannot be overstated, as their individual strengths collectively enhance Mallorca’s game plan. Muriqi’s goal-scoring ability, Mascarell’s midfield control, and Valjent’s defensive acumen are instrumental in shaping Mallorca’s competitive edge against Athletic Club.

Mallorca Tactics and Formation

Mallorca Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Vedat Muriqi
• Midfield Engine: Omar Mascarell
• Defensive Setup: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong aerial presence and effective use of wide areas.

Mallorca’s 4-4-2 formation provides a balanced structure, allowing them to maintain a strong defensive line while being able to exploit wide areas offensively. The forward pairing of Jan Virgili and Vedat Muriqi provides a mix of pace and aerial threat, with Muriqi being the top scorer, netting 11 goals this season.

In midfield, Omar Mascarell plays a pivotal role, offering both defensive cover and the ability to transition the ball forward. His partnership with Samu on the flanks ensures that Mallorca can stretch the opposition and create crossing opportunities for their target men.

Defensively, the absence of key players like Manu Morlanes and Antonio Raíllo could impact their solidity, as evidenced by only one clean sheet in recent outings. However, the backline, led by Martin Valjent and Johan Mojica, remains capable of organising effectively against opposition threats.

Athletic Club Analysis & Past Performance

Athletic Club’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with a mixed bag of results across their last five matches, recording two victories, two losses, and one draw. Notable performances include a thrilling 4-3 victory in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa, showcasing their attacking prowess, although they have struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals in the same period.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cultural Leonesa	Athletic Club	3 – 3 (Extra time: 0 – 1) (Win)	FA Cup	13 Jan 2026
Barcelona	Athletic Club	5 – 0 (Loss)	Super Cup	7 Jan 2026
Osasuna	Athletic Club	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Athletic Club	Espanyol	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	22 Dec 2025
Ourense	Athletic Club	0 – 0 (Extra time: 0 – 1) (Win)	FA Cup	18 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Despite their defensive vulnerabilities, Athletic Club have been reasonably productive in attack, averaging 1.40 goals per game over the last five fixtures. However, their defensive frailties are evident with a goals conceded average of 2.20 per match. Away from home, their performance mirrors these trends, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five away games, boasting a win ratio of 40%.

Currently positioned 8th in LaLiga with 24 points, Athletic Club’s season has been characterised by mid-table steadiness. Their attack has seen contributions from top scorer Nico Williams, who has netted 3 goals. Yet, the defence has been leaky, managing just one clean sheet in their recent outings. A focus on tightening their backline will be crucial as they face stronger opposition in upcoming fixtures.

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Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries

Athletic Club face some injury concerns that could influence their tactical approach against Mallorca. Notably, the absence of Aymeric Laporte due to a leg injury, expected to keep him out until late January, could impact their defensive stability. With Maroan Sannadi also sidelined with a meniscus injury, the team may need to rely on Aitor Paredes and Daniel Vivian to anchor the defence.

Mikel Vesga’s doubtful status due to a back injury might force a midfield reshuffle, potentially elevating Mikel Jauregizar’s role. Alejandro Berenguer Remiro’s finger injury casts further doubt on his availability, potentially limiting options on the wings.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Unai Egiluz	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-February 2026
Beñat Prados	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Maroan Sannadi	Meniscus injury	Late January 2026
Aymeric Laporte	Leg injury	Late January 2026
Mikel Vesga	Back injury	Doubtful
Alejandro Berenguer Remiro	Finger injury	Doubtful

With no suspensions to complicate matters, Athletic Club’s coach, Ernesto Valverde, will likely maintain the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, relying heavily on the Williams brothers, Iñaki and Nico, for offensive creativity. However, the absence of key players may necessitate a more conservative approach, potentially affecting betting markets by dampening expectations for their attacking output.

Athletic Club Key Players

Nico Williams stands out as Athletic Club’s top scorer with 3 goals this season. His agility and ability to exploit spaces make him a constant threat on the left flank, where he can cut inside and create scoring opportunities. His partnership with Iñaki Williams, who operates from midfield, is pivotal in breaking down defences with their speed and intelligence.

Oihan Sancet in midfield is another crucial player, known for his vision and playmaking ability. Sancet’s tactical impact is significant, providing the link between defence and attack. His ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver precise passes is essential for Athletic Club’s offensive strategies.

Expected lineup for Athletic Club

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
• Defence: Andoni Gorosabel, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Adama Boiro
• Midfield: Iñaki Williams, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams
• Forward: Gorka Guruzeta

In defence, Daniel Vivian and Aitor Paredes form a solid central pairing. Their strength in aerial duels and positional awareness are key strengths that could thwart Mallorca’s attacking threats. With Unai Simón in goal, Athletic Club boast a reliable last line of defence, capable of making crucial saves to keep the team in the game.

Athletic Club Tactics and Formation

Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Gorka Guruzeta
• Midfield Pivot: Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar
• Defensive Concerns: Changes in the backline due to injuries
• Notable Strategy: Utilises pace on the wings for offensive transitions.

Athletic Club’s 4-2-3-1 formation is centred around a solid midfield core with Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar. This pair is tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams provide width and pace, crucial for quick transitions and stretching the opposition’s defence.

Defensive stability is a concern due to recent injuries, notably Aymeric Laporte’s absence. Andoni Gorosabel and Adama Boiro are expected to step up in the full-back roles, while Daniel Vivian and Aitor Paredes form the central defensive partnership. The defensive unit has struggled to maintain clean sheets, with only one in the last five matches.

Offensively, Athletic Club rely on Gorka Guruzeta’s presence up front, supported by Oihan Sancet in the attacking midfield role. Their strategy often involves rapid counterattacks, leveraging the speed of the Williams brothers to exploit spaces in the opponent’s defence.

Mallorca vs Athletic Club Head-to-Head Record

Looking at the head-to-head record between Mallorca and Athletic Club, it’s clear that Athletic Club have the upper hand with 19 wins compared to Mallorca’s 11, alongside 15 draws. The last encounter saw Athletic Club edge out a 2-1 victory at home in LaLiga, continuing their recent dominance.

When these two last met at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, it ended in a goalless draw back in October 2024. Historically, Mallorca have struggled to assert themselves at home against Athletic Club, who have often left with at least a point.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Athletic Club	Mallorca	2 – 1	LaLiga	2025-10-04
Athletic Club	Mallorca	1 – 1	LaLiga	2025-03-09
Mallorca	Athletic Club	0 – 0	LaLiga	2024-10-28
Athletic Club	Mallorca	1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalty shoot-out: 4 – 2)	Copa del Rey	2024-04-06
Athletic Club	Mallorca	4 – 0	LaLiga	2024-02-02