Levante vs Athletic Bilbao 04/12/18

04 December 2018

Weakened by several injuries, Levante will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia looking to bring a 3-game winless La Liga streak to an end.

After a horror start of the season, which saw them losing four out of the six opening league fixtures, the Granotas have managed to bounce back and secure four consecutive victories, including the one against Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. However, lack of continuity has led Levante to another lapse of form, as they have struggled to clinch a win in their last four competitive games, playing out three draws in the run. Additionally, Paco Lopez’s men are not enjoying playing home this campaign, considering they have lost three out of six matches in Valencia, conceding 14 goals in the run. Although they have scored a minimum of one goal in all of their home encounters, Levante have conceded two or more goals on four occasions, as they currently hold the second-worst defensive home record in the Spanish top tier.

On the other hand, Los Leones are experiencing a terrible start of the season, as they have managed just one win in their opening 13 La Liga matches. Furthermore, the visitors have failed to secure all three points since a 2-1 triumph over Leganes on the opening matchday. With a record of four draws and two losses in six road games, Eduardo Berizzo’s side is the only team along with Leganes to seal a victory away from home. Their defensive frailties have seen them keeping just one clean sheet in the league so far, which represents Athletic Bilbao’s principal problem ahead of their trip to Valencia. Meanwhile, the Rojiblancos have bagged a minimum of one goal in five out of six away meetings this season, as five of seven goals they have scored on the road came in the first half.

Provisional line-up – Levante:

Gk: Oier Defense: Chema – Tono – Coke – Cabaco – Rober Midfield: Vukcevic – Prcic – Jason Attack: Borja Mayoral – Roger Marti

Provisional line-up – Athletic Bilbao:

Gk: Herrerin Defense: Martinez – Nunez – San Jose – Balenziaga Midfield: Oscar de Marcos – Benat – Raul Garcia Attack: Susaeta – Muniain – Inaki Williams