Mallorca looking for a smart defence

Not only are Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano and Rayo boss Fernando Vazquez former professors, they also have the studious look of school teachers. Curiously both have also coached each other's team. Manzano left Rayo at the end of last season having guided them to an impressive mid-table finish, while Vazquez took Mallorca to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1999-2000 only to be harshly cast aside by the club's board at the end of that season. Manzano's sometimes stern face may be put to good use today as he tries to drill some sense into his beleaguered defence. Despite lying in a respectable seventh place, Mallorca have conceded the third highest amount of goals in the league a staggering 29 in 16 matches -- and the back four may even need the threat of detention to keep them focused on Rayo's tricky Bosnian striker Elvir Bolic. Manzano will most likely opt for Fernando Niño over Federico Lussenhoff in central defence, with Poli at left-back, replacing Miquel Soler who made a rare appearance in the side's 2-2 midweek Cup clash with Valladolid. Mallorca are still without their star player Samuel Eto'o, currently serving a four match suspension, but welcome back Alvaro Novo after his two match ban. While Mallorca have lost their last four, Rayo have won three of their last four and will be wanting another victory today on the ninth anniversary of president Teresa Rivero taking over the club. Rivero is the only woman president in the top flight.