Title: La Liga Showdown: Valencia Battle for Survival as Mallorca Chase Europe

Two sides with very different ambitions meet this Sunday in La Liga, as Valencia, teetering above the relegation zone, welcome European hopefuls Mallorca to the Mestalla.

Valencia have shown signs of life recently, losing just once in their last seven league games. However, with only a single point separating them from the drop zone, every match is now a must-win. Their home form offers a glimmer of hope, 21 points from 14 games at the Mestalla, but they’ll face a well-organized Mallorca side eager to maintain momentum.

Mallorca enter the weekend unbeaten in their last six La Liga outings and currently sit seventh, just four points off both fifth-placed Villarreal and sixth-placed Real Betis. While their goal tally is among the lowest in the top half of the table, their recent consistency has kept them firmly in the race for European football.

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Mallorca grab a 2-1 win over Valencia, and they’ll aim to replicate that success despite their patchy away form. With a strong defensive record and a disciplined approach, they’re not easy to break down, something Valencia will have to solve without key attackers still sidelined.

Team News & Lineups

Valencia remain without Thierry Correia, while Hugo Duro and Ivan Jaime are expected to miss out again. Head coach Carlos Corberan is likely to stick with a similar lineup and shape, led by Umar Sadiq in attack.

Mallorca will be without Robert Navarro due to injury, but welcome back Copete from suspension. His return may trigger a switch back to a five-man defense, possibly pushing Dani Rodriguez out of the starting XI. Veteran striker Vedat Muriqi leads the line once again.

Predicted Lineups

Valencia (5-4-1):
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Diakhaby, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; Almeida, Guerra, Barrenechea, Diego Lopez; Sadiq

Mallorca (5-4-1):
Greif; Maffeo, Valjent, Copete, Raillo, Mojica; Asano, Morlanes, Darder, S Costa; Muriqi

What’s at Stake

• For Valencia: Survival. A loss could see them plunge into the relegation zone, especially with Real Madrid up next.
• For Mallorca: Momentum. A win keeps them in striking distance of a top-six finish and potential European qualification.

Final Prediction: Valencia 1 – 1 Mallorca