Barcelona are coming off a loss (yeah, that sounds strange) to Celtic in the Champions League, which could be really bad news for 13th place Mallorca. It's not that Barca have been their usual dominating selves, but it's still shocking to see them lose and you'd expect they won't be pleased with the result. Returning to the relative safety of La Liga should help and having Gerard Piqué back in the defense won't hurt either.
Mallorca vs. Barcelona 2012: Preview and tv schedule
After their stunning mid-week defeat to Celtic, Barcelona will look to take our their frustration against struggling Mallorca
Mallorca are themselves looking to rebound from a disappointing 1-0 loss last week to Deportivo La Coruna. No doubt they are “thrilled” that they must attempt to bounce back against Barca. They certainly won’t roll over for Barca and their ability to strike effectively on the counter attack will give them a chance to threaten the Blaugrana. They’ll just to have to make sure they defend well enough to make their counters potentially matter.
Mallorca injuries and suspensions
Out: Giovani dos Santos (thigh), Nunes (knee), Antonio Lopez (knee), Joao Victor (knee), Javi Marquez (ankle). In doubt: Ximo (knee).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Carles Puyol (elbow), Adriano (hamstring), Thiago Alcantara (knee), Isaac Cuenca (knee). In Doubt: None.
Carles Puyol has resumed training but he’s still a couple weeks away as his dislocated elbow continues to heal. Adriano is still not over his hamstring issue. Giovani dos Santos won’t be available after picking up a muscle strain in last week’s loss to Deportivo. Fullback Ximo should be ready to go.
Match Date/Time: 6:50 p.m. local, 11:50 a.m. ET
Venue: Iberostar Stadium, Palma, Spain
TV: beIN Sport 1 (U.S.), Sky Sports 4 (U.K.)
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