Burkina Faso
Croatia
Czech Republic
Indonesia
International Tournaments
Nigeria
Republic OF Ireland
South Africa

Preview: Real Valladolid vs. Levante - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 25 November 2020, 12:23

Real Valladolid will be looking to make it three La Liga victories in a row when they welcome Levante to Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on Friday night.

The home side had been struggling at the bottom of the table before picking up back-to-back victories either side of the international break to move out of the relegation zone, but Levante will enter this match inside the bottom three, having struggled for wins during the 2020-21 campaign.

Match preview

© Reuters

Valladolid finished an impressive 13th in Spain's top flight last term, which proved to be their highest position since the 2001-02 campaign. A poor start to this season left them rock bottom of the table after eight matches, but there has been a huge improvement in recent weeks.

Indeed, the White and Violets entered the November international break off the back of a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, before picking up an impressive 3-1 win away to Granada last time out.

Oscar Plano, Maranhao and Jota were on the scoresheet at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, and the three points crucially saw them move out of the relegation zone.

Valladolid are now 17th in the division, two points clear of 18th-placed Levante, who have a game in hand. There is certainly a chance that they could be back in the relegation zone heading into next weekend's clash with Atletico Madrid, who are regarded by some to be the favourites for the title this season.

Sergio Gonzalez 's side will enter Friday's clash in a confident mood following back-to-back victories, but they have only won one of their last seven La Liga matches with Levante.

© Reuters

Levante, as mentioned, are currently 18th in the table, having collected just seven points from their opening nine matches during a tough start to the campaign.

Paco Lopez 's side have only picked up one victory in the league this season, but they will strangely bring a four-game unbeaten run into Friday's contest, having drawn 1-1 in each of their last four matches.

Indeed, the Frogs have shared the points with Celta Vigo, Granada, Alaves and Elche since losing 2-0 away to Athletic Bilbao on October 18, but the unbeaten run has not prevented them from being inside the bottom three.

Levante finished 12th in La Liga last season, some 13 points clear of the relegation zone, but they have struggled to get going in the early stages of 2020-21 and will be determined to move out of the bottom three as soon as possible, especially with tough games against Getafe and Barcelona on the horizon.

Real Valladolid La Liga form: LDLLWW

Levante La Liga form: LLDDDD

Team News

© Reuters

Valladolid will again be without the services of Raul Garcia and Kiko Olivas through injury, but the home side are otherwise in good shape heading into Friday's contest.

The impressive nature of the win over Granada last time out means that Sergio could decide to select the same XI, with Sergi Guardiola again operating alongside Maranhao in the final third.

Plano was on the scoresheet against Granada and should retain his spot in the XI, while Fabian Orellana is also expected to feature despite the return to fitness of Saidy Janko and presence of Jota.

Levante, meanwhile, are hopeful that goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez will shake off a knock to take his spot between the sticks, but Enis Bardhi is still unavailable for selection.

Ruben Rochina and Roger Marti are both pushing for spots in the XI, having featured off the bench against Elche, meaning that Jorge de Frutos and Dani Gomez could both drop to the bench.

Nemanja Radoja is also pushing for a spot in the middle of the park, but Mickael Malsa should again feature alongside Jose Campana.

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:

Masip; Hervias, Joaquin, Bruno, Nacho; Orellana, Alcaraz, Fede, Plano; Guardiola, Maranhao

Levante possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Miramon, Vezo, Postigo, Clerc; Rochina, Campana, Malsa, Melero; Morales, Marti

We say: Real Valladolid 2-2 Levante

There is not an awful lot between these two sides in terms of quality, and we are expecting a tight match on Friday night. Levante have been the draw specialists in recent weeks, proving difficult to beat despite being inside the bottom three. Valladolid will be eyeing a third straight success, but we are predicting an entertaining 2-2 draw at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.

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.

25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Mark Warburton urges Bright Osayi-Samuel to ignore speculation over QPR future
QPR manager Mark Warburton urged Bright Osayi-Samuel to keep putting aside speculation over his future after the winger played a starring role in the 3-2 win over Rotherham. Osayi-Samuel, who set up the opening goal and scored Rangers' second, continues to stall over signing a new contract. The winger's current deal expires at the end of the season and several clubs have been linked with him.
25 November 2020
marca.com
FIFA announce nominees for The Best Awards
F IFA have announced the nominees for the 2020 edition of The Best Awards across the different categories - male and female - and in three sections: best player, best goalkeeper and best coach. Voting will be public until December 9, inclusive and after the finalists are known, The Best FIFA Football Awards 2020 gala will take place on December 17.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Wednesday's Premier League transfer talk: Torres, Chukwueze, Messi
Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in the Premier League on Wednesday, November 25. Wednesday morning's Premier League transfer talk news roundup: Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea 'all chasing Samuel Chukwueze' © Reuters Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, according to a report.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Southampton
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a fixture against Southampton at St Mary's. While the Red Devils remain down in 10th position in the table, they only sit seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool with a game in hand. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has witnessed his side win their last three matches in all competitions, the latest being a convincing 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory will move them into the top two of the Premier League standings. The Blues have won their last six matches in all competitions, the latest success coming on Tuesday evening as they recorded a dramatic triumph over Rennes in the Champions League.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Osasuna
Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways in La Liga when they continue their 2020-21 campaign at home to Osasuna on Sunday afternoon. The Catalan giants suffered a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend and have now dropped to 13th position in the table, some 12 points behind leaders Real Sociedad.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Sergio Ramos 'yet to receive contract offer from Real Madrid'
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has reportedly still not been offered a new deal by the Spanish champions. The 34-year-old remains an inspirational figure for Los Blancos, who he has represented on 660 appearances in all competitions, but his existing deal at the Bernabeu is due to expire next June.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Wednesday's La Liga transfer talk: Torres, Chukwueze, Messi
Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in La Liga on Wednesday, November 25. Wednesday morning's La Liga transfer talk news roundup: Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea 'all chasing Samuel Chukwueze' © Reuters Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, according to a report.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Manchester United's Pogba, surprise Tottenham ace, Arsenal's Aubameyang and Liverpool defender Gomez - Most used stars in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team
FIFA 21 has already got the juices flowing for gamers as the EA Sports title finishes its First Season of Ultimate Team.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Gabby Agbonlahor 'lost for words' at Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa's nomination for FIFA Men's Coach of the Year award
Gabby Agbonlahor has re-opened his feud with Leeds United by saying it's 'ridiculous' Marcelo Bielsa is on the shortlist to be named The Best FIFA Men's Coach for 2020.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Danny van de Beek: 'We must remain focused in Champions League'
Donny van de Beek knows Manchester United can ill-afford any let up with Champions League progress still to be sealed and an important Premier League match looming large. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side followed up Saturday evening's underwhelming Old Trafford win against promoted West Brom with a more convincing home performance against Istanbul Basaksehir.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz can't compare to Erling Haaland as Borussia Dortmund starlet's frightening stats are revealed
Erling Haaland continued his electric form on Tuesday evening with two goals as Borussia Dortmund breezed to a 3-0 defeat of Club Brugge in the Champions League. Haaland's breakthrough 2019/20 season will go down in history
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Frank Lampard: 'Callum Hudson-Odoi is a big player for Chelsea'
Frank Lampard has hailed Callum Hudson-Odoi 's "constant improvements" in mapping out a long career at Chelsea for the England forward. Hudson-Odoi fired the Blues into an early lead at Rennes on Tuesday night with a composed finish after Mason Mount's perfectly weighted through-ball. The 20-year-old faces an intense battle simply to take the field this term, given the number and quality of Chelsea's summer recruits.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Carlos Tevez: Ex-Manchester United and Man City striker to retire in 2021 and make surprise move into politics
Carlos Tevez is set to retire from football in 2021 and then embark in a surprise new career in politics, it is claimed.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Jay Rodriguez, Matej Vydra sign new Burnley deals
Burnley strikers Jay Rodriguez and Matej Vydra have extended their contracts by a year to the summer of 2022, the club have announced. Clarets academy product Rodriguez, 31, returned to Turf Moor in July 2019 when he moved from West Brom, while 28-year-old Czech Republic international Vydra joined from Derby the previous summer.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Kiyan Prince's father, Mark, on his late son's legacy as QPR remember former academy starlet on what would have been his 30th birthday
Today would have been Kiyan Prince's 30th birthday.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Manchester United fan boldly claims 'Cavani and Zlatan are better than Tottenham hero Harry Kane' in stunning argument with talkSPORT hosts
A talkSPORT caller left Sports Bar hosts Andy Goldstein and Jason Cundy absolutely stunned on Tuesday night as he claimed Harry Kane is not a world-class striker.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
FOUR Liverpool stars join Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar on shortlist to be named FIFA Best Men's Player, Arsenal ace Miedema up for women's award
FIFA has unveiled the shortlist for its 2020 awards - with FOUR Liverpool stars in the running to be named Best Men's Player.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Marcelo Bielsa joins Jurgen Klopp on shortlist for FIFA Men's Coach of the Year award following historic triumphs with Leeds and Liverpool respectively
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is a shock nominee to be named FIFA's men's coach of the year.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Marcelo Bielsa shortlisted for FIFA men's coach of the year award
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has been named on the five-man shortlist for FIFA men's coach of the year. World football's governing body has released the shortlist for its seven individual awards, with the winners set to be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards on December 17. Bielsa was an eye-catching inclusion on the five-strong shortlist for Best FIFA men's coach, having led Leeds to the Championship title to end their long Premier League absence.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'told to pay £45m for Villarreal defender Pau Torres'
Arsenal have reportedly been informed by Villarreal that it will take a bid of €50m (£45m) to prise defender Pau Torres away from the club. The Gunners are thought to be one of a number of sides interested in signing the 23-year-old, along with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Reports from Spain suggest that Madrid are the frontrunners to sign Torres, but Arsenal are also still in the running to nab the 23-year-old.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Luka Modric: 'I would love to end my career at Real Madrid'
Luka Modric has reiterated his desire to see out the rest of his career at Real Madrid and has given his full backing to boss Zinedine Zidane. The Croatia international is due to be out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the season and can discuss a free transfer from January. Madrid are believed to have held off from opening talks with Modric over a new deal, despite rumoured interest from the likes of Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'keeping a close eye on Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah'
Arsenal are reportedly among a number of Premier League side keeping tabs on Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah. The 17-year-old is already well known to the Gunners, having previously spent seven years in their youth system. Musah moved to Valencia in 2019 and has forced his way into the first team this season, featuring nine times in all competitions.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Leeds boss Bielsa up for FIFA prize alongside Klopp, four Liverpool stars nominated for 2020 best player, 'unacceptable' Pepe set for Arsenal talks
Follow talkSPORT.com's live blog for all the latest football news and biggest transfer gossip.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Thiago Silva already makes 'first contact' with Chelsea over signing contract extension after dazzling in early start to life at Stamford Bridge
Thiago Silva is already in talks Chelsea over extending his contract… despite only signing for the Blues a few months ago!
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea want Thiago Silva to sign new deal?
Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with defender Thiago Silva over a new contract. The Brazil international has made a big impact at Stamford Bridge since joining on a free transfer in the summer. Silva penned a one-year deal with the Blues and, according to Tuttomercato, the club are eager to extend those terms.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Report: Arsenal opt out of move for Inter Milan's Christian Eriksen
Arsenal have passed up the chance to sign Christian Eriksen from Inter Milan, according to a report. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been told that he can leave San Siro in January after just a year at the club. Inter snapped up Eriksen for a fee of around £17m following a long-running pursuit, but the Denmark international has struggled to settle under Antonio Conte.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 'We still have work to do in Champions League'
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not taking Champions League progress for granted despite taking a giant step towards the last-16 with a 4-1 victory against Istanbul Basaksehir. Having opened Group H with stunning victories against Paris St Germain and RB Leipzig, defeat to the Turkish champions at the start of November threatened to derail the Red Devils' Group H campaign.
25 November 2020
talksport.com
Arsenal will NOT loan out Nicolas Pepe in January, but Mikel Arteta plans talks with £72million flop after 'unacceptable' Leeds headbutt
Arsenal are 'unlikely' to loan out Nicolas Pepe in January, but boss Mikel Arteta has planned talks with the £72million flop over his poor form and 'unacceptable' conduct.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Marko comments after Vettel named best of generation
Mercedes ' utter dominance since 2014 explains why many Formula 1 fans do not regard Lewis Hamilton as the best driver of his generation. That is the view of Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, when asked about the surprising results of an online survey that showed fans believe quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel is the best of his generation.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Vettel 'wouldn't say no' to Mercedes
Sebastian Vettel has admitted he "wouldn't say no" to an offer to switch to Mercedes. In fact, the quadruple world champion and Ferrari refugee has accepted an offer from Racing Point, with that team set to re-brand as Aston Martin in 2021. "I thought about ending my career, but I still have something to give the sport and Aston Martin's offer came along at the right time," German Vettel, 33, told Corriere dello Sport.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Binotto to also sit out Bahrain GP
Mattia Binotto has confirmed that he will sit out a second consecutive race this weekend. After departing Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel finished on the podium in Turkey, the quadruple world champion joked: "We'll try to leave him at home again!" Team boss Binotto explained that he had delegated the acting role to sporting director Laurent Mekies because he also needs to oversee progress on the 2021 and 2022 projects.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Female ex-footballers wanted to take part in brain-function study
The leader of a study into changes in brain function among footballers is desperate for female ex-professionals to come forward, as he fears dementia could be an even greater issue among women who play the game than men. Dr Michael Grey, the lead researcher on the SCORES Project at the University of East Anglia, has more than 35 male ex-pros in his study group including Iwan Roberts and Mark Bright, but it does not contain a single female who played in the professional ranks, even after he dropped the lower age limit from 50 to 40.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Wednesday's paper talk: Nicolas Pepe, Marcel Sabitzer, Raphael Varane
What the papers say Speculation about the future of Nicolas Pepe will grow after The Times reported the winger will meet with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Wednesday. The out-of-favour player's woes worsened when he was sent from the pitch for headbutting Leeds' Ezgjan Alioski during Sunday's goalless draw in the Premier League.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Frank Lampard: 'Olivier Giroud still vital for Chelsea'
Frank Lampard insists evergreen striker Olivier Giroud still has a vital role to play at Chelsea. Blues boss Lampard hailed Rennes match-winner Giroud's importance at Stamford Bridge, despite the 34-year-old already being linked with a January transfer. The 44-goal France hitman is determined to reach next summer's European Championships as Les Bleus' top striker and could seek a move away from Chelsea for more regular game time.
25 November 2020
sportsmole.co.uk
Pep Guardiola addresses Manchester City's Champions League hopes
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is confident of an extended run in the Champions League this season. Guardiola believes his side will be determined to make amends after their frustrating quarter-final exit at the hands of Lyon last term. City can secure their place in the knockout stages for an eighth consecutive year with victory over Olympiacos in Greece on Wednesday.
Show more

Top News

2 February 2025 talksport.com Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens has admitted his regret following a comment about Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have confirmed the signing of defender Patrick Dorgu from Lecce on a contract until June 2030. 2 February 2025 talksport.com Ruben Amorim has landed his first signing as Manchester United boss after Patrick Dorgu completed his £29million switch to Old Trafford. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Atletico Madrid will be aiming to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey when they welcome fellow La Liga outfit Getafe to Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid will be aiming to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey when they take on Leganes in the final eight of the competition on Wednesday night. 2 February 2025 talksport.com Roy Keane knew Cristiano Ronaldo was destined for greatness the moment he arrived at Manchester United. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have confirmed that Antonio Rudiger suffered "an injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg" during the early stages of Sunday night's La Liga clash with Espanyol. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk West Ham United have reportedly agreed a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion to loan Evan Ferguson. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Lens defender Kevin Danso on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Jim White and his yellow tie. Harry Redknapp leaning out of his car window to exchange pleasantries with reporters. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aston Villa will reportedly have the chance to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window for £40m. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly considering making an attempt to sign Aston Villa attacker Leon Bailey on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, as the Red Devils looks to bring in a replacement for Marcus Rashford. 2 February 2025 talksport.com Marcus Rashford was told Ruben Amorim would not play him at Manchester United if he stayed at the club, talkSPORT understands. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid suffered a major blow during Saturday's shock 1-0 defeat to Espanyol, with Antonio Rudiger being forced off in the first half of the La Liga contest with a suspected muscular problem. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Adana Demirspor vs. Kasimpasa (Sunday, 10.30am) With each passing gameweek in the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig, Adana Demirspor's hopes of avoiding relegation continue to fade, and the league's bottom side will look to keep their survival dreams alive when they host Kasimpasa at the New Adana Stadium on Sunday. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Sporting Lisbon vs. Farense (Sunday, 6.00pm) Fresh off the back of reaching the Champions League knockout phase, Sporting Lisbon welcome SC Farense to the Estadio Jose Alvalade in round 20 of the Primeira Liga on Sunday. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Almere City vs. RKC Waalwijk (Sunday, 11.15am) With both teams running out of time to preserve their Eredivisie status, Almere City and RKC Waalwijk will do battle at the Yanmar Stadion on Sunday afternoon. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona vs. Alaves (Sunday, 1.00pm) Barcelona's pursuit of La Liga leaders Real Madrid will continue on Sunday afternoon, when they welcome struggling Alaves to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for a must-win contest. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Juventus vs. Empoli (Sunday, 11.30am) After back-to-back defeats, Juventus will seek an end to their three-game winless streak on Sunday, when they welcome Serie A strugglers Empoli to Turin. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Frankfurt vs. Wolfsburg (Sunday, 2.30pm) Eintracht Frankfurt's home clash against Wolfsburg at Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday in the Bundesliga could be hugely significant in the race for Champions League football. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Toulouse vs. Nice (Sunday, 2.00pm) Europe hopefuls Toulouse welcome Champions League-chasing Nice in Sunday's gameweek 20 Ligue 1 action at Stadium de Toulouse. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Motherwell vs. Celtic (Sunday, 3.00pm) Motherwell, looking to rebound from three consecutive defeats, will host Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic at Fir Park on Sunday afternoon. 2 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The opening match in the Coupe de France round of 16 will see Dunkerque seeking an upset victory over Lille on Tuesday at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. 1 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Troyes will seek a place in the Coupe de France quarter-finals for the first time in a dozen years when they host Brest on Tuesday at Stade de l'Aube. 1 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over a deal to send midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan to the Signal Iduna Park, according to a report. 1 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tyrell Malacia's proposed loan move from Manchester United to Benfica has reportedly collapsed due to the Portuguese side failing to meet the Red Devils' demands. 1 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that influential attacker Matheus Cunha has signed a new contract at the club until the summer of 2029. 1 February 2025 talksport.com Jude Bellingham was every football fan as the Real Madrid star reacted in awe to Chris Wood's hat-trick. 1 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Carlos Romero scored the only goal of the match as Espanyol recorded a shock 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Saturday night's La Liga contest in Catalonia.