Six pointer for Mallorca

After another week of ups and downs, Real Mallorca are looking to put everything to one side as they go in search of their fourth straight match without defeat against Real Sociedad this afternoon. After a roller-coaster seven days, coach Sergio Kresic will be hoping today's “six pointer” will be a smoother ride. It's been a week when striker Samuel Eto'o lashed out at journalists intent on criticising his every move and when fellow striker Albert Luque smashed up his car in Palma. A week when midfielder Vicente Engonga had a dig at the island's fickle fans and a week when Mallorca's appeal against defender Miguel Angel Nadal's suspension was rebuffed by the Spanish F.A. On the up side, Nadal was selected to the Spanish national team, as was talented midfielder Julian Robles for the under-21s. Also on the positive side for Kresic is the return to the side of Luque, who escaped injury in his car crash, and has recovered from a muscle strain that has kept him out of the last two matches. He has also shrugged off a bout of Gastroenteritis. Despite an unsettled time off the pitch, Kresic said on Friday he was more than happy with his side's training and that the team would go all out for the three points. Mallorca and Real Sociedad are two of eight teams flirting with the relegation zone, separated by just two points. Yesterday Kresic called on a strong support from the home fans for a match that could pull Mallorca further away from the drop zone. “The fans can help out with refereeing decisions, their support is extremely important. A win against Real Sociedad is worth a lot more than three points and the fans are vital to us winning,” said the Croat. Real coach Roberto Olabe, who recently replaced John Toshack as manager, enjoyed a 1-0 victory against Espanyol in his first game in charge last weekend and will be looking to former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld to keep Eto'o and Luque at bay.