BARCELONA will need to hit the ground running when they return to action in Mallorca, with Real Madrid just two points behind them in a thrilling title race.
The champions strolled to victory last term, finishing 11 points clear of Atletico Madrid, but it has been a different story this term, with their patch early-season form leading to the sacking of boss Ernesto Valverde.
New gaffer Quique Setien has taken them to the summit but Barca's form under the former Betis boss hasn't been that convincing.
Most of the problems have come on the road, with Barcelona winning just once in their last five away games in all competitions.
They lost 2-0 at the Bernabeu in El Clasico on their last away day – a game I thought would end level – and that result has fired the title race wide open.
Now Barcelona need to take maximum points from a Real Mallorca side fighting for their lives at the foot of the table.
Vicente Moreno's men were showing signs of improvement before lockdown, taking seven points from their last four games, so they will give the champions a test.
How the bookies view it
From what we've seen in the Bundesliga, home advantage doesn't really count for much when there are no fans in the stadium. So it's easy to see why Barcelona are huge favourites here at a best 3/10 with Skybet.
Real Mallorca are rank outsiders at 10/1 with Ladbrokes while the stalemate is 5/1 at William Hill.
The best option might be a Barca win with both teams to score as the champions have conceded in their last nine away games. That's priced 13/8 with Betfred.
Recent head to head
Barcelona have won the last six games between these sides and are unbeaten in the last nine since a 2-1 defeat in Mallorca back in 2009.
The Catalans romped to a 5-2 win (below) when these sides faced off earlier this season while last term's clash in Mallorca ended in a 4-2 victory for Barca.
Players to watch
It will be interesting to see if Setien throws Luis Suarez (below) straight back into the team after a long lay-off with a knee injury and he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Lionel Messi was also an injury doubt but he has returned to full training and it's expected the skipper will lead Barca out at San Moix.
The only certain starter up front should be Antoine Griezmann so I'm backing the Frenchman for anytime scorer at 11/8 with Bet365.
Takefusa Kubo has an added incentive to shoot down Barcelona as he's on loan from Real Madrid. The teenage Japanese midfielder netted twice in his last three games before lockdown and looks overpriced for a goal here at 8/1 with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals have been flowing in this fixture of late, with four of the last five meetings producing at least five goals. Over 3.5 strikes pays 6/5 here with 888Sport and that looks a decent option.
This La Liga match between Real Mallorca and Barcelona will be played on Jun 13, 2020 and kick off at 21:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Mallorca vs Barcelona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
