Friday, November 4, 2011

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05.11. (Sat) 22:00 Levante - Valencia

Alberto Tino Costa, Valencia (Getty Images)


PROBABLE LINEUPS

LEVANTE


Munua
Lopze, Nano, Ballesteros, Del Horno
Iborra, Torres
Juanlu, Barkero, Valdo
Kone/Aranda
VALENCIA

GuaitaMiguel, Ruiz, Rami, Mathieu
Topal, Costa
Hernandez, Jonas, PiattiSoldado

For the home side, Arouna Kone, Nabil El Zhar, Javi Venta and Jose Javier Barkero all did not train early in the week. Venta and El Zhar both missed the team's last game with muscle injuries.

Kone injured his hip against Osasuna, while Bakero has a right leg contusion, but both are likely to take part in the match.

For the visitors, Sergio Canales remains out with a knee injury, looking set to return in six months, while Hedwiges Maduro is out until February with an ankle concern.

Coach Unai Emery will have to find a replacement for Ever Banega, who will miss a month after straining ligaments in his right knee in the 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. Tino Costa is set to step into his position.

In goal, as usual, Vicente Guaita will take over for Diego Alves, as the Spaniard handles La Liga duties, while the Brazilian participates in the Champions League.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • Levante are in third place in the league, having won seven games, as many as Barcelona.
  • The Frogs were undefeated in their first nine league matches, before losing to Osasuna in their 10th match.
  • Last season, the club did not manage to beat their opponents on Saturday, tying 0-0 in the Mestalla, while falling at home 1-0 after a late winner by Juan Mata.
  • Valencia are in fourth place in the league and are on a three-game winning streak.
  • Emery's team have scored six total goals in the last two games, more than in the seven previous contests combined.
  • The club was founded in 1919, 10 years after Levante.

Prediction
Both teams have started out the season well, though Valencia are in finer form after Levante suffered their first defeat of the season against Osasuna. However, with several injuries for the visitors, a draw looks likely in what should be an emotional and eventful contest.
Editor's Prediction
Levante 1-1 Valencia