Preview: Celta Vigo vs. Mallorca - prediction, team news, lineups

Mallorca sit just two points adrift of their 10th-placed hosts in the standings, yet their focus will be on moving further clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

Given his well-travelled career, it was unusual that Carlos Carvalhal had not managed in Spain before taking his chance at Celta Vigo, yet the 57-year-old has taken his chance with both hands.

Regardless of whether the Sky Blues fall short in the race for European qualification, Carvalhal has lost just three of his 16 league fixtures, as well as putting together a seven-match undefeated streak.

Only collecting draws against Almeria and Sevilla has come as a disappointment, but Celta were behind in both matches and earned a share of the spoils with the latter through two late goals.

Sitting nine points clear of the relegation zone with 10 matches left, Carvalhal's side can focus on what is ahead of them, particularly with a game in hand at their disposal.

However, with a trip to Real Madrid next week, Celta Vigo could do with posting just their sixth home win of the season to remain as contenders for the top six.

While the home side can claim to be on an upward trajectory, the same cannot be said of the visitors who have become contenders for relegation.

Although Javier Aguirre's side are seven points clear of the bottom three, they make the trip to Estadio de Balaídos having failed to win any of their most recent six matches.

Nevertheless, Aguirre will feel that his side took a step in the right direction last time out as they netted a last-gasp equaliser to draw 3-3 with 17th-placed Real Valladolid.

That followed the previous stalemate with Osasuna, and it has ensured that Los Piratas have some breathing space between the drop zone ahead of their attempt to move into 11th or even 10th place, by the end of the gameweek.

Celta Vigo La Liga form:

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D

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Mallorca La Liga form:

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Team News

Goncalo Pacienca could be restored to the Celta Vigo attack having starred off the substitutes' bench at Sevilla, netting the equaliser in that game.

Luca de la Torre will also be considered for a recall, as will Jorgen Strand Larsen, but Carvalhal is unlikely to make that many alterations.

Gabri Veiga should return in central midfield having served a one-match ban for five yellow cards.

Jaume Costa will miss out for Mallorca after collecting his 10th yellow card of the season in the Valladolid match.

Pablo Maffeo may deputise at left-back due to the injury of Ludwig Augustinsson, allowing for Giovanni Gonzalez to come back into the team at right-back after suspension.

Iddrisu Baba is also back after a one-match ban and could feature in midfield, but Jose Copete remains banned for his dismissal versus Osasuna.

Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:

Villar; Mallo, Aidoo, Nunez, Galan; Perez, Veiga, Beltran, De La Torre; Aspas, Pacienca

Mallorca possible starting lineup:

Rajkovic; Gonzalez, Valjent, Raillo, Hadzikadunic, Maffeo; Ndiaye, Galarreta, Morlanes, Kang-In; Muriqi

We say: Celta Vigo 2-1 Mallorca

Although just two points separate the two sides, Celta Vigo are in by far the better form. Although Mallorca may test their hosts for a time, we are expecting Carvalhal's side to battle their way to an important three points.

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