Mallorca vs Athletic Club prediction 17.01.2026 | La Liga

Mallorca enter the match firmly embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting 17th with a 4-6-9 record (W-D-L) and an average of 1.11 goals scored per game across La Liga this season. Their winless run in La Liga dates back to mid-December, with the side failing to win any of their last three league outings, losing twice and collecting their only point in a 1-1 draw with Valencia.

Their attack is heavily reliant on Vedat Muriqi, who has scored 11 goals in 18 appearances, providing a critical outlet in transition and set-piece situations. Secondary contributors include Samú Costa with three goals and Mateo Joseph with two.

Injury and availability will be key factors for Mallorca: Antonio Raíllo has returned to training from an acromioclavicular sprain, offering a boost to the back line, but Manu Morlanes remains sidelined and Pablo Maffeo will be suspended for this match, limiting depth on the right flank.

Athletic Club’s eighth-place ranking (W7 D3 L9) reflects inconsistency across La Liga, with the side averaging 0.89 goals scored per game and a negative goal difference despite a stronger points tally than Mallorca. Athletic’s higher league position is somewhat overshadowed by their mediocre form in recent months: Ernesto Valverde’s side are winless in their last three La Liga fixtures and have recorded just one victory in their last five league outings. 

Injuries and suspensions present challenges for manager Valverde: Álex Berenguer is out with a toe injury, Mikel Vesga and Aymeric Laporte are doubts, and several others, including Beñat Prados and Maroan Sannadi, will be unavailable in the short term. Additionally, player suspensions - for example Oihan Sancet - add toward selection limitations.

In general, Athletic’s form has been patchy; the team has struggled to convert possession into goals, reflected by low scoring output in recent matches. Their defense has shown occasional solidity but leaks goals at critical moments, contributing to the mixed results that have kept them outside the European qualification places despite a higher placing than Mallorca.