Levante vs Villarreal: La Liga Clash – Preview, Team News & Prediction
Villarreal will be aiming to bounce back from a recent dip in form when they travel to face Levante at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on Wednesday evening in a rescheduled La Liga fixture. The Yellow Submarine currently occupy third place in the league table, level on points with Atletico Madrid, while Levante find themselves in a precarious 19th position, seven points adrift of safety.
This match was originally scheduled for mid-December but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions in the Valencia region. Now, both teams will be eager to secure a positive result for different reasons.
Levante’s Struggles
Levante enters this contest following a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the Valencia derby against Valencia. This loss leaves Luis Castro’s side languishing in 19th place with just 18 points from 23 matches. While there’s still a significant portion of the season remaining, the seven-point gap to Rayo Vallecano in 17th place represents a considerable challenge.
A major concern for Levante has been their defensive vulnerability. They’ve conceded a league-worst 40 goals in 23 games. Their home form has also been underwhelming, securing only seven points from 11 matches at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia – the worst record in La Liga this season.
Villarreal’s Recent Form
Villarreal, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 loss to Getafe, extending their winless run to one win in their last seven games across all competitions. Despite this recent slump, Marcelino’s side remains in a strong position in the league, sitting third with 45 points from 23 matches.
They are level on points with Atletico Madrid, with a game in hand, and hold a four-point advantage over Real Betis in fifth. Securing Champions League qualification remains a key objective, making this match particularly important for the Yellow Submarine.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Levante holds a recent victory over Villarreal, winning 2-0 in April 2022. However, Villarreal has won two of the last three encounters between the two sides, scoring a total of 10 goals in those matches.
Team News
Levante will be without Roger Brugue due to injury, and Pablo Martinez is a doubt for fitness. Kervin Arriaga is suspended following his red card in the Valencia derby. Etta Eyong is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Villarreal faces a significant injury list with Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, and Pau Cabanes confirmed absentees. Willy Kambwala, Gerard Moreno, Alfon Gonzalez, and Thomas Partey are also major doubts, potentially leaving the visitors with seven players unavailable.
Possible Starting Lineups
Levante possible starting lineup: Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sanchez; Vencedor, Raghouber; Tunde, Alvarez, Romero; Eyong
Villarreal possible starting lineup: Junior; Mourino, Marin, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Gueye, Comesana, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Perez
Prediction
Villarreal’s recent struggles make them a difficult team to confidently back. However, Levante’s own difficulties, particularly defensively, suggest that the Yellow Submarine will ultimately secure all three points. For more in-depth data analysis, including predicted scorelines, click here.
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