Levante vs Villarreal Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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We have a bit of a Valencian Community derby taking place at Estadio Ciutat de Valencia this weekend as struggling Levante take on high-flying Villarreal.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Levante preview: Struggling Levante
Following their promotion to the top-flight last season, Levante put in some good performances at the start of this season but their form has since dipped and led to the sacking of Julian Calero a couple of weeks ago.
The home team begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting rock-bottom in La Liga as the only team yet to hit ten points. They most recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Osasuna at El Sadar in Navarre.
Villarreal preview: High-flying Yellow Submarine
Villarreal have been relentlessly impressive in La Liga with their 2-0 defeat of Getafe at El Madrigal last weekend making it six successive league wins as they sit five points behind Barcelona at the top-of-the-table with a game-in-hand.
The Yellow Submarine have been woeful in the UEFA Champions League, though, as they continue to go winless following their surprise 3-2 defeat to Danish champions FC Copenhagen at home in midweek.
Levante team news: Defensive injuries
Levante are dealing with key defensive injury issues for this weekend as Unai Elgezabal is now sidelined alongside centre-back duo Adrian de la Fuente and Matias Moreno.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Ryan; Toljan, Matturro, Jorge Cabello, Manu Sanchez; Carlos Alvarez, Kervin Arriaga, Unai Vencedor, Brugui; Ivan Romero, Eyong
Unavailable: Unai Elgezabal (Injured), Dela (Injured), Matias Moreno (Injured)
Questionable: Pablo Martinez (Injured)
Villarreal team news: Several issues
There are fresh issues for Villarreal to deal with aplenty as Santiago Mourino is potentially sidelined alongside midfielders Thomas Partey and Dani Parejo, as well as attacker Gerard Moreno.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Pau Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Buchanan, Akhomach, Santi Comesana, Alberto Moleiro; Ayoze, Mikautadze
Unavailable: Pau Cabanes (Injured), Costa (Injured), Kambwala (Injured)
Questionable: Santiago Mourino (Injured), Partey (Injured), Dani Parejo (Injured), Gerard (Injured)
Levante vs Villarreal prediction
In what is a bit of a derby match, it presents a good opportunity for Levante to get their crowd on side in the pursuit of a surprise result. However, they would have to massively raise their performance level against a very strong Villarreal side, at least domestically. The amount of defensive chaos for the hosts only further lends itself to the view that this should be a comfortable away win.
Levante vs Villarreal tip: Villarreal to win -1 handicap
