Saturday, November 19, 2011

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20.11. (Sun) 20:00 Atletico Madrid vs Levante

Liga BBVA: Levante-Real Sociedad: Arouna Kone; David Zurutuza
Getty

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ATLETICO MADRID

CourtoisLopez, Godin, Dominguez, Filipe
Gabi, Tiago, Diego TuranPizzi, Adrian
LEVANTE

MunuaVenta, Ballesteros, Nano, Juanfran
Torres, IborraValdo, Barkero, Juanlu
Kone

Levante has been brought back down to earth following back-to-back defeats at the hands of Osasuna and Valencia, with some suggesting the Liga minnows have been finally found out. Nevertheless, the Valencia-based club still occupy a highly respectable fourth position in the league table, a mere five points off leaders Real Madrid.

Martinez has few injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s game with defender Juanfran expected to shake off an ankle sprain and striker Carlos Aranda also likely to recover from a minor knock. Left-back Asier Del Horno could sit out with a leg injury.

Meanwhile for hosts Atletico Madrid, a disappointing start to the season transformed into a mini-crisis after a 3-2 loss to lowly Getafe. Coach Gregorio Manzano has since received more bad news in the form of an injury to in-form striker Radamel Falcao. The Colombian suffered a strain to the abductor muscle on international duty and will miss out on Sunday. Former Portuguese U21 international Pizzi may get a chance to impress.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Atletico Madrid holds the edge in recent head-to-head meetings with Levante (W6 D1 L3).
  • Injured striker Falcao is Atletico’s top scorer this season with seven goals.
  • Atletico are known by the nickname Los Colchoneros (the mattress makers) due to its home kits sporting the same colours as old-fashioned mattresses.
  • Levante’s last victory at the Vicente Calderon stadium was a 1-0 triumph in the Copa del Rey in October 2006.
  • At a combined age of almost 170, the east coast club has the oldest defence (back four and goalkeeper) in La Liga.
  • Levante was founded in 1909, a full decade before the founding of local rivals Valencia.
Prediction
Despite their inconsistent form this season, Atletico Madrid remain a difficult team to beat at home and they will looking to respond after a morale-sapping defeat against Getafe. The smart money is on Atletico getting at least a point out of this fixture.
Editor's Prediction
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Levante