Preview: Levante vs. Alaves - prediction, team news, lineups

Levante will play their first match at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia this season when they host Alaves in La Liga on Sunday.

The club's home ground has been undergoing a modernisation in the first two months of the campaign, leading them to play two 'home' matches at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica.

Match preview

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Levante will be thankful to return to familiar surroundings as they have struggled in La Liga so far, winning just once - away from home against Osasuna.

They head into the weekend sitting in the relegation zone, but have drawn their last two games 1-1 against Celta Vigo and Granada.

Paco Lopez might have hoped his side could have got more against the latter after Maxime Gonalons 's red card for Granada on 16 minutes.

However the point against a side playing Europa League football this season gives Levante something to build on as they seek to move away from danger.

Alaves will certainly have been happy with their point last weekend, earned in a 1-1 draw with Barcelona.

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Los Babazorros had Jota sent off early on against Ronald Koeman 's side, but went ahead in the game through Luis Rioja before Antoine Griezmann 's second-half equaliser.

The result moved Alaves three points clear of the bottom three following a tricky start to the season as they lost three of their opening four games.

Pablo Machin 's team won their most recent away game at bottom-of-the- table Real Valladolid, but that was only their second victory in their last 12 matches on the road.

Alaves have won five of the last six meetings between these two sides, including both games last season by a 1-0 scoreline.

Levante La Liga form: WLLLDD

Alaves La Liga form: DLWLWD

Team News

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Jorge Miramon has been sidelined for Levante after suffering with a leg problem and Son is expected to replace him at right-back.

However Jose Campana has been passed fit after missing the draw with Granada through injury and he should start in midfield.

Following his red card against Barcelona, Jota is suspended for Alaves and is likely to be replaced by Lucas Perez.

Meanwhile, Joselu may come in to start up front. He has not scored in his last five games but will be hopeful of finding the net against a Levante side who are yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

Levante possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Son, Vezo, Postigo, Clerc; Rochina, Campana, Malsa, Bardhi; Morales, Roger

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Pacheco; Aguirregabiria, Lejeune, Laguardia, Duarte; Battaglia, Pina; Mendez, Perez, Rioja; Joselu

We say: Levante 2-1 Alaves

Both teams will be keen to build on positive results in the last few weeks and that should lead to a tight and exciting encounter. Even though there will not be any fans there, Levante could be given a boost by their homecoming and take all three points.

Top betting tip

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