There can be little doubt about it: Levante are a side in deep trouble. Though the Valencia side have enjoyed two strong bursts of form this season, it’s been far more common for them to slump into lengthy periods of defeats, and as a result they lie at the foot of the standings with only 15 points to their credit.
Perhaps the most worrying aspect of los Granotes’ position is that their form appears to be getting worse. All of their last five league matches have been lost, and only in one of their last 15 matches have they managed to keep a clean sheet. Arguably the greatest low – aside from a derby defeat against Valencia – came with last weekend’s 4-1 reverse against Sevilla.
“In the first half, we made significant errors,” coach Luis Garcia explained. “We cannot make mistakes if we want to compete.”
Levante are making mistakes at the moment, and plenty of them. Only Malaga’s astounding tally of 45 goals against is worse than los Granotes’ 34, and unless something is done to stop the bleeding at the back, it seems that a quick return to the Segunda Division is on the cards for a team who have yo-yoed between the top two leagues for much of the last decade.
In A Slump
Getafe’s season has been riddled with ups and downs to date, and at the present time Michel’s men find themselves in something of a trough. After a four match winning sequence before Christmas, Europe was very much on the cards, but three defeats in four games since mean that mid-table consolidation must be achieved by the Madrid club.
With three fixtures at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in January, Getafe might have expected to make some headway in the league, but instead of flourishing, they’ve wilted in front of their home support. A competitive defeat against Real Madrid at least yielded some positive signs, but losses against Real Sociedad (4-0) and Espanyol (2-1) have followed.
“It would be wrong to despair,” goalkeeper Oscar Ustari told Marca this week. “Not everything that glitters is gold, for good and the opposite too. We are not mentally ill. We are concerned about the situation... but this team is always optimistic.”
Michel called a meeting with his players earlier this week to try and resolve the problems of Getafe’s form. Juan Albin indicated that the conference was successful and that the players have gained renewed confidence to retrace their steps in order to become the team that was so impressive during December.
The players must now show their talents in Valencia on Saturday, and if they do, they have every chance of winning.
TEAM NEWS
Levante
Striker Wellington Silva could make his debut for the club this weekend. Hector Rodas, meanwhile, is doubtful after limping out of training with a hamstring complaint. Nano and Sergio are both poised to sit out once more. Miguel Perez and Nacho Gonzalez have yet to return to the squad after picking up problems.
Getafe
Jaime Gavilan is expected to be drafted back into the team. Mario Alvarez has started running again but is still some distance from full fitness, while Javier Arizmendi again sits out.
Prediction
Goals have to be forecast in this game, simply because Levante struggle to defence. The hosts will have to come out to try and win this fixture, which should suit Getafe. El Geta may have toiled of late, but they have the potential to achieve a lot more, something los Granotes have rarely shown over the course of the last month.
Levante 1-2 Getafe 
