April 15, 2012 5:00 PM BST
Estadio San Mamés — Bilbao
Team News
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao came from behind to draw 2-2 with Granada in midweek, but with the Basque side still eight points off a Champions League place it will be interesting to see Marcelo Bielsa's attitude towards the visit of Mallorca.
Bielsa isn't normally a fan of rotating his squad, but with a Europa League place already assured thanks to their run to the cup final and a European semi-final against Sporting Lisbon coming up on Thursday, the Argentine may hold some of his key players back.
Fernando Llorente was on target again with his head against Granada to score his 16th goal of the season, but it is probably fair to say he won't be on penalty duty again any time soon as he missed his fourth spot-kick in a row in league matches at Nuevo Los Cármenes.
probable lineups : Iraizoz, Aurtenetxe, Amorebieta, Martínez, Iraola, Marcos, Iturraspe, Ander, Muniain, Llorente, Susaeta. (4-3-3).
Mallorca
Mallorca sealed their survival with a clinical 3-0 win at Racing Santander on Thursday. Emilio Nsue starred as he scored the first and was involved in the third so he should keep his place in the side.
Nsue though may switch to the left-hand side as Michael Pereira is likely to be recalled by Joaquín Caparrós.
probable lineups : Aouate, Cendrós, Ramis, Nunes, Cáceres, Pina, Tissone, Pereira, Castro, Nsue, Víctor. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
Athletic Bilbao have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches against Mallorca in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Mallorca's last 4 away games in La Liga.
Head to Head
Athletic Bilbao| Apr 11, 2012 | Granada 2 - Athletic Bilbao 2 | LIGA |
| Apr 8, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 1 - Sevilla 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 5, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 2 - Schalke 04 2 | EL |
| Mar 31, 2012 | FC Barcelona 2 - Athletic Bilbao 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 29, 2012 | Schalke 04 2 - Athletic Bilbao 4 | EL |
Mallorca| Apr 12, 2012 | Racing 0 - Mallorca 3 | LIGA |
| Apr 8, 2012 | Mallorca 0 - Granada 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 2, 2012 | Sevilla 3 - Mallorca 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 24, 2012 | Mallorca 0 - FC Barcelona 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 21, 2012 | Sporting de Gijon 2 - Mallorca 3 | LIGA |
| Spain - Copa del Rey (ESPC) | Jan 25, 2012 | Mallorca 0 - Athletic Bilbao 1 | |
| Spain - Copa del Rey (ESPC) | Jan 18, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 2 - Mallorca 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Dec 4, 2011 | Mallorca 1 - Athletic Bilbao 1 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Feb 14, 2011 | Mallorca 1 - Athletic Bilbao 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Sep 21, 2010 | Athletic Bilbao 3 - Mallorca 0 |
Prediction
Given that Bielsa has continued to play his strongest team either side
of European games in recent weeks it is probably safe to assume he will
do so again and therefore Athletic remain favourites.
However, Mallorca struggled badly towards the end of last season when
survival had appeared almost secured and Caparrós has insisted there
will be no letting up this year.
The Basque coach will also want to impress in front of his former
faithful and with Athletic's minds probably already looking ahead to
their meeting with Sporting, Mallorca could pick up more points on the
road here.
Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Mallorca
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