Real Madrid Set to Clash with Mallorca: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Real Madrid are looking to secure their third consecutive La Liga win at the beginning of Xabi Alonso's tenure, as they face Mallorca on Saturday evening.

The successor to Carlo Ancelotti was able to use the Club World Cup during the summer as a beneficial foundation to assess his squad's condition, though Madrid have thus far played like a team lacking adequate preseason preparation.

They appeared somewhat sluggish in their 1–0 victory against Osasuna to open the season, but showed signs of progress in a convincing win at Real Oviedo last Sunday. Kylian Mbappé has begun his second campaign with three strikes in two matches, and Alonso's initial version of Los Blancos clearly appears to be built around the French star.

Mallorca haven't secured a win at the Bernabéu since 2009, making them eager for an uncommon triumph on Saturday.

Their season began disastrously when they were left with nine players in the opening half of their encounter with champions Barcelona, resulting in Jagoba Arrasate's team suffering a 3–0 defeat. Nevertheless, they claimed their first point of the campaign at home against Celta Vigo in their most recent outing.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the La Liga encounter.

What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Mallorca Kick-Off?

Real Madrid vs. Mallorca Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Mallorca on TV

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid's injury list remains unchanged from last week's victory in Oviedo, meaning Alonso continues to be without Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Endrick for Saturday's fixture.

The Madrid manager has also confirmed that Dani Ceballos will stay with the squad after his potential transfer to Marseille collapsed. The Spanish midfielder now appears destined to remain in the Spanish capital.

Alonso will probably need to choose between Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr on the left wing, though he could deploy the former in a less favored position on the right flank, with summer signing Franco Mastantuono relegated to the bench.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to regain his starting position at right-back.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Mallorca

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Mallorca (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior

Mallorca Team News

Mallorca have both players who received red cards in the season opener against Barcelona available once more, and forward Vedat Muriqi is guaranteed to return to the starting eleven on Saturday evening.

Manu Morlanes might be restricted to a substitute role, however.

Mateu Morey, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, found the net in last week's stalemate with Celta Vigo, and he could operate as a wing-back on Saturday, with Arrasate possibly switching to a three-man defense. Ex-Barcelona prospect Pablo Torre could feature as Mallorca's number 10, and the Spaniard has the capability to become their main creative outlet this season.

Mallorca Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Mallorca predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (3-4-1-2): Román; Kumbulla, Raillo, Valjent; Morey, Darder, Lato, Mojica; Torre; Muriqi, Asano

Real Madrid vs. Mallorca Score Prediction

Mallorca managed to hold Madrid when Mbappé made his La Liga debut at the beginning of last season, but have seldom enjoyed success during visits to the capital.

They're quite spirited opponents under Arrasate's guidance, and could cause problems for a Madrid side still adapting to life under Alonso's leadership. The Spaniard is establishing foundations, with their enhanced defensive organization evident across two matches.

The home team may not provide the most thrilling entertainment for a while, but they'll deliver a controlled performance to secure victory on Saturday.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–0 Mallorca