Levante vs Real Oviedo: A Relegation Six-Pointer

Two teams desperately battling to avoid the drop will lock horns at the Ciutat de Valencia on Saturday evening as Levante host Real Oviedo in a pivotal La Liga encounter. With both sides languishing near the bottom of the table, this fixture carries immense weight and could significantly shape their respective survival hopes as the season enters its critical final stages.

Levante’s Struggles Upon Return to La Liga

Levante’s return to La Liga hasn’t gone as planned, and the Granotes are now facing the very real prospect of an immediate return to the Segunda División. Promotion last season brought cautious optimism, but a dismal run of form has left them in deep trouble. The club’s decision to relieve Julian Calero of his duties – the manager who secured their promotion – followed four consecutive defeats. While Luis Castro was appointed in December, a significant improvement in results hasn’t materialized.

Currently 19th in the standings, Levante has managed a mere five wins in 28 matches, alongside eight draws and a concerning 15 defeats. However, recent weeks have offered a glimmer of hope, with the team remaining unbeaten in their last three games, including a confidence-boosting 2-0 victory over Alavés and hard-fought draws against Girona and Rayo Vallecano. Despite this mini-resurgence, defensive vulnerabilities remain a major concern, having conceded 46 goals – one of the worst records in the league.

Levante will draw confidence from the reverse fixture, securing a 2-0 away win against Real Oviedo back in October.

Real Oviedo’s Fight for Survival

Mirroring their opponents, Real Oviedo are also enduring a challenging campaign and find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation zone. The Azules sit at the foot of the table in 20th position, with only four wins, nine draws, and 15 defeats from their 28 matches played.

A significant issue for Oviedo has been their struggles in front of goal, having netted a league-low 18 times this season. However, they enter this match buoyed by a vital 1-0 victory over Valencia, a result that could serve as a springboard for a late survival push. Guillermo Almada’s side are currently seven points adrift of safety, and while mathematically still possible, a strong finish to the campaign is essential.

Instability in the dugout has also plagued Oviedo’s season, having already seen three managers – Veljko Paunovic, Luis Carrion, and now Almada – take the reins.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

Recent meetings between the sides have been closely contested, with Oviedo claiming two wins, Levante one, and two encounters ending in draws.

Levante La Liga Form: LLLWDD

Real Oviedo La Liga Form: LDLLDW

Team News

Levante will be without Roger Brugue (ligament injury) and Carlos Alvarez (muscle injury). Pablo Martinez remains a doubt, while Unai Elgezabal is also expected to miss out with a similar issue. Jon Olasagasti is available after serving a one-match suspension and could return to the starting lineup. Carlos Espi, with four goals in his last three appearances, will be a key player in attack.

Real Oviedo will need to assess the fitness of Lucas Ahijado, Thiago Borbas, and Ovie Ejaria. Jaime Vazquez remains sidelined with a long-term groin injury, and Leander Dendoncker is also out due to a muscle problem.

Possible Starting Lineups

Levante: Ryan; Toljan, Moreno, Matturro, Sanchez; Rey, Losada; Garcia, Romero, Tunde; Espi

Real Oviedo: Escandell; Lopez, Costas, Bailly, Vidal; Ilic, Fonseca, Sibo, Fernandez; Vinas, Reina

Prediction

Given both sides’ struggles for consistency and goals, this contest is likely to be a tense and scrappy affair. Levante’s recent upturn in form gives them a slight advantage, but Oviedo’s recent win could provide the belief needed to secure a point. A draw seems the most probable outcome.

For more in-depth data analysis, including predicted scorelines, check out WhoScored.com.

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