La Liga Preview: Deportivo La Coruna - Mallorca

Two teams in hot water meet at the Riazor this weekend to display a typical night of Spanish football. With Mallorca flopping seriously in their last two games, things seem to be rough all over, as Deportivo continue to struggle in finding their rhythm. The determination of both sides has taken a severe dip recently, but a game like this is the perfect chance to clear up the nonsense and get back on track. Deportivo are out to impress their fans once again, yet Mallorca will gift no pleasure to the home side, saving what could end up becoming a serious embarrassment. What is certain is one thing, both teams are going for the win, and the battle for the three points is by no means going to be a tidy one. The hot atmosphere, angry fans, and very ambitious players will drive the tempo of this game up the roof, starting from the first minute right until the final whistle.

Deportivo's Woes

Last week's trouncing at the hands of Villarreal has sparked mixed feelings at the Galician camp. Taking the immediate pleasure of criticizing his players, Miguel Angel Lotina went public about his teams "lack of depth and aggressiveness", which has not gone too well with the Turkos. The Spanish press report of an internal rift between the players and their coach; time seems to have taken its toll on what has now become a very predictable team. Crashing at the hands of Norwegian minnows Brann in the UEFA Cup is just one more disappointment to add to the long list of frustration.

Lotina has been given some headaches in defence, failing to find a suitable replacement for his star defender, Fabricio Coloccini. After the board ignored Lotina's request of buying a top class defender, relations seem to have become extremely frosty between the coach and the management. Some fans have made their voice heard, demanding a change of coach, management, and even both.

The sky has been cloudy in Galicia these past couple of weeks, and it seems to be a long way before it rises once more, but a win this weekend is the best place to start.

Balearic Blues

If Lotina has been tossing in bed, the last month has been a living nightmare for Gregorio Manzano. After failing to lead his team to a win in over a month, the Italian has been shown no mercy by the press. With boulders on his shoulders, the pressure is on Manzano to inspire his deteriorating players. Manzano's control in the dressing room has been questioned recently, and many believe that the coach is not the leading figure behind the curtains.

Why Mallorca are failing is simple, they have not learned to cut their losses and move on. Last year's two most impressive performers, Ariel Ibgaza and Dani Guiza, have left big shoes to fill, but no player's feet seem big enough to step up and make that key difference that these two made last year. With that aside, the Balearic outfit seemed to have lost their fast, attractive pace and become a heavy, uninspired side.

What Mallorca need now is not a killer player or a star studded squad, Mallorca need a leader. Raul of Madrid, Puyol of Barca, Senna of Villarreal, the list goes on; Mallorca are left with a void, and unless a player can fill it (my pick is Moya), success is a prospect that Mallorca must accept is out of their reach.

A win is vital this time around, and the fans will settle for nothing less.

Form Guide

Deportivo

18/9/2008 Brann 2-0 (L) UEFA Cup

14/9/2008 Villarreal 1-0 (L) La Liga

31/8/2008 Real Madrid 2-1 (W) La Liga

28/8/2008 Hadjuk Split 0-2 (W) UEFA Cup

14/8/2008 Hadjuk Split 0-0 (D) UEFA Cup

Mallorca

14/9/2008 Osasuna 1-1 (D) La Liga

30/8/2008 Valencia 0-3 (L) La Liga

9/8/2008 West Bromwich 1-1 (D) Friendly

3/8/2008 Newcastle United 1-0 (W) Friendly

1/8/2008 Hannover 96 4-2 (W) Friendly

Team News

Deportivo

Lotina has no major setbacks and will shift his midfield around in order to add depth, creativity, and aggression. His players have been working on their end product, one two's, and counter attack. Lotina will tell his players to put on early pressure and take advantage of the Mallorca's shaky back four.

Possible Starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Aranzubia – Laure, Zé Castro, Lopo, Filipe – Sergio (c), De Guzmán – Juan Rodriguez, Valerón, Guardado – Riki.

RCD Mallorca

Manzano will look for a striker that he can depend on, Aduriz' recent form will give him the thumbs up in front of the disappointing Pierre Webo. The rest will seem to be a regular formation.

Possible Starting XI: (4-1-4-1): Moyá – Scaloni, Ramis, Nunes, Corrales – Santana – Varela, Martí, Keita, Arango – Aduriz

Players to Watch

Deportivo

Canadian midfielder Julian de Guzman has been in consistent and dominant form, winning the confidence of his coach and has become a fan favourite. His long range passes and creativity in the middle will look to give Santana some trouble. Gunning down Arango will be his key role, although expect him to charge forward at times. The bar is set high for de Guzman this weekend, expect a shining performance from this excellent midfielder.

Malllorca

After his sparkling debut last weekend, Aritz Aduriz will want to build on his talent and guide his team to a victory. Although Ze
Castro will give him no pleasure in attack, Aranzubia must keep his eyes open for long shots and through passes. A threat as always, Aduriz will drift to all corners of the pitch, even moving backwards to assist in the attacking build up.

Prediction

Since both Deportivo and Mallorca are going for the win, expect little preservation from anyone as the game promises to have open spaces and swift counter attacks. A repeat of the loss against Brann will cause an eruption of controversy in Galicia, a prospect that Lotina will have to avoid at all costs. Depor will put on the early pressure, but don't expect Mallorca to sit back and watch; three points is their objective too. Depor seem to have the upper hand, playing at their famous Riazor with their fans cheering them all the way. Taking advantage of open spaces is the key this time, the rest is for you to decide.


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