Levante vs Valencia preview and predictions for this Sunday’s clash in La Liga. Read on for our analysis ahead of the first Valencia derby of the season.
DATE/TIME – Sunday 2nd September 2018, 12:00 (CEST)
STADIUM – Estadi Ciutat de València
COMPETITION – La Liga
This has become an increasingly significant derby over the past decade or so. Almost 40 years passed without Levante facing Valencia in La Liga between 1965 and 2004 but there have been 20 top flight Valencia derbies since then with the city’s second club becoming an increasingly regular presence in the top flight. They’ve been a real thorn in their more illustrious rivals’ side too having won 4 of their last 5 home derbies despite having never won at the Mestalla.
Despite that, Valencia remain the favourites heading into this match but they haven’t been great so far this term. They’ve just one point on the board following a disappointing defeat at Espanyol last time out. However they were boosted this week by the club record signing of Goncalo Guedes from PSG. The Portuguese winger impressed on loan at the Mestalla last term and will be eager to get going again after prolonged transfer negotiations finally reached a conclusion.
As for Levante, they’ve won a game they might have expected to lose and lost a match they may have hoped to win. Their counter-attacking 3-0 win at Betis on the opening night may form the blueprint for their approach here though and they do enjoy the underdogs tag. Even though they have home advantage, they will be content to let their rivals have the ball and try to break with players like José Luis Morales impressing so far. Heavy pressing is unlikely either with this surprisingly a midday kick-off in the heat of the Valencian summer.
Levante vs Valencia Predictions
Betting Tips: Levante Double Chance
Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Valencia really have struggled in this fixture in recent years which suggests they are short with the bookies making them around Evens to record the win here. Like many smaller rivals, Levante always seem capable of raising their game when their neighbours visit and they really have shaken up the football landscape in their city.
They’ve been very good since Paco Lopez took charge too and had amassed more points than any other team in La Liga over the 12 games of his stewardship until the last match-day. Therefore they shouldn’t be underestimated at all and look capable of getting a result against a Valencia team that hasn’t made a flying start.
Levante vs Valencia Match Stats
- There have been 24 Valencia derbies in La Liga with 7 wins for Levante and 11 for Valencia CF.
- All of Levante’s wins have been at home.
- Valencia have collected just 1 point from their last 5 visits to Levante (a draw last season).
- Levante have won 9 of their 13 matches under Paco Lopez.
- Valencia have taken just 4 points from their last 5 away in La Liga.
One to Watch – José Luis Morales
This man was on fire last week against Real Betis. José Luis Morales has contributed in 4 of Levante’s last 5 goals in La Liga (3 goals, 1 assist).
He is starting against Celta Vigo, kickoff in less than an hour. pic.twitter.com/kjSSfNdnPX
— Fútbol España ?? (@SpainSystem) August 27, 2018
José Luis Morales has made a flying start to the season with 3 goals for Levante. He scored a brilliant solo goal on the opening day at Betis.
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Predicted Line Ups
Possible Levante Team:
Olazabal – Tono, Pier, Postigo, Coke – Jason, Doukoure, Campana, Bardhi – Marti, Morales (4-4-2)
Possible Valencia Team:
Neto – Piccini, Paulista, Garay, Gaya – Soler, Kondogbia, Parejo, Guedes – Rodrigo, Gameiro (4-4-2)
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