Verdict: Levante draw no bet
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who are searching for their own immediate La Liga responses on Friday night, Levante will welcome Osasuna to the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.
Levante
Starting with the hosts, watching their April flurry come to a thumping end last time out as they slumped to a 5-1 drumming at the hands of Villarreal, Levante will know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. With just a quartet of La Liga showdowns remaining this season, the Frogs open Friday’s battle sat three points adrift of top-flight safety. With a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders this weekend, Luis Castro’s side will be confident of dusting themselves down when they return to Valencia. Last seen in front of their own supporters securing what could prove to be a season-defining 2-0 victory against fellow relegation scrappers Sevilla, Levante have gained a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. Along with winning all of their last three straight matchups at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia by an aggregate score of 7-2, Castro’s men have also registered 13 points from their previous five matchups in front of their own supporters.
Levante Team News
Lasting just half an hour away at Villarreal last weekend before limping off with an ankle injury, Levante are expected to be without 22-year-old Carlos Alvarez here. Likewise, shown a costly first-half booking last time out, Honduras international Kervin Arriaga will serve a one-match suspension.
Former Burgos defender Unai Udondo remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury and won’t play any part this weekend. Bagging nine La Liga strikes this season and notching a consolation goal last week, 20-year-old Carlos Espi will lead Levante’s attack.
Osasuna
As for the visitors, while Osasuna might travel to Valencia this weekend still clinging onto their spot in the top-half of the La Liga standings, Alessio Lisci’s side have continued to show some real inconsistencies. Making an immediate return to losing ways last time out as they were hit with a 2-1 defeat at home against champions-elect Barcelona, Los Rojillos have registered just a single win from any of their previous five top-flight appearances. Likewise, mustering just a pair of La Liga victories from their last nine attempts, Osasuna have also gained a reputation for their glaring issues away from the Estadio El Sadar. Last seen on their travels slumping to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Friday’s guests have notched just two points from their last five showdowns outside of Navarre.
Osasuna Team News
Missing out against Barcelona last weekend with a reported muscle injury, Osasuna are expected to be without 22-year-old Victor Munoz here. However, aside from the former Real Madrid youngster, Los Rojillos have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Friday’s trip to Valencia.
Enjoying another free-scoring run in Navarre this season and registering 16 La Liga goals, Ante Budimir will spearhead Osasuna’s charge this weekend. Coming off the bench and bagging a consolation strike last week and now notching consecutive top-flight goals, Raul Garcia will be hoping to play a more prominent role.
Levante vs Osasuna Key Factors to Consider
- When Levante and Osasuna met for their reverse La Liga showdown back on December 8th, Friday’s guests claimed a 2-0 victory in Navarre.
- However, Osasuna have claimed just two points from their last five matchups on the road.
- Levante have won all of their previous three consecutive home fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-2.
- Friday’s hosts have also registered 13 points from their last five La Liga matchups in front of their own supporters.
- Croatian international Ante Budimir has registered 16 La Liga goals so far this season.
Conclusion
Opening Friday’s showdown sat within touching distance of finding a route out of the relegation zone, Levante will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil here. Along with winning all of their last three consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 7-2, the Frogs have also remarkably registered 13 points from their previous five matchups in front of their own supporters. Meeting an Osasuna squad who have shown some rather glaring issues on the road, Levante face what could be a must-win battle this weekend.
Verdict: Levante draw no bet
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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