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

sportsmole.co.uk, 8 January 2021, 11:47

Levante will be looking to put some space between them and the relegation zone when they host Eibar at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia this Sunday.

However, Eibar have only lost one game on their travels so far this season and will be keen to make it three wins in three on Sunday.

Match preview

© Reuters

Both these sides come into this game on the back of last-gasp Copa del Rey victories in their midweek fixtures.

Levante left it late against Portugalete, with Sergio Leon scoring his second of the game in added time, quelling a possible upset in the Basque country.

Meanwhile, Eibar left it even later when they eventually beat Las Rozas 4-3 in extra time - Sergi Enrich was the man who came to his side's rescue in that dramatic second-round tie.

Despite the midweek drama, it cannot be said that Sunday's match-up is likely to get the blood running. In fact, six out of 10 of their last encounters in La Liga have ended in a stalemate.

Still, both sides find themselves in curious positions this season and it might be the case that a draw simply will not suffice this time out.

© Reuters

After all, Paco Lopez 's men have not lost in their last six games at home and have actually won their last three.

Los Armeros, on the other hand, have picked up 12 points from their eight away games this season, making them one of the league's most feared opponents on the road.

Jose Luis Mendilibar 's men are generally known for their defensive work-rate more than any attacking prowess, however one man in particular appears determined to change that.

Nineteen-year-old winger Bryan Gil, on loan from Sevilla, has been an influential force in the Eibar attack this season, and the young man's exploits were rewarded with a brace against in-form Granada last time out.

Victory for the visitors on Sunday may well depend on the heroics of their new starlet.

Levante La Liga form: WLWDWL

Levante form (all competitions): WWDWLW

Eibar La Liga form: DDLLDW

Eibar form (all competitions): WLLDWW

Team News

© Reuters

Levante will go into this tie without the likes of Rober Pier, Ruben Garcia and Ruben Vezo, who are all out due to COVID-19.

Lopez is also likely to be without Nikola Vukcevic, who has a torn hamstring.

Influential playmaker Jose Campana remains sidelined due to injury for the home side too.

The visitors will be without Roberto Correa, who has a muscle injury, and Jose Angel, who is still out with a knee injury.

Levante possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Coke, Duarte, Clerc; de Frutos, Radoja, Tono, Rochina, Melero; Roger, Alcon

Eibar possible starting lineup:

Dmitrovic; Pozo, Oliveira, Bigas, Rafa; Inui, Diop, Exposito, Gil; Kike, Enrich

We say: Levante 1-1 Eibar

These two sides have been inseparable on many occasions in the past and we think Sunday will be no different. Taxing Copa del Rey victories in the week are also likely to impact fitness levels.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.

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