Los Colchoneros aim to extend winning run to four matches
Estadio Ciudad de Valencia — Valencia
Referee: Ignacio Iglesias
Team News
Levante
Levante avoided defeat against city rivals Valencia for the first time
in four meetings this season as they claimed a point at Mestalla last
weekend. That point kept Juan Ignacio Martinez's men in the hunt for the
Champions League places as they closed the gap on Malaga to two points
and remain within three of Valencia.
Vicente Iborra and Asier Del Horno are Los Granotes' only doubts but
both are expected to be fit so Martinez should have a full squad to
choose from.
Abdelkader Ghezzal could return in place of Pedro Botelho despite the
latter's fine performance last weekend and there may even be some
playing time for Juanlu for the first time in four months.
probable lineups : Munúa, Juanfran, Cabral, Ballesteros, López, Torres, Iborra, Barkero, Ghezzal, Valdo, Koné. (4-2-3-1).
Atletico Madrid
Radamel Falcao scored his 20th league goal of the season as Atlético's
strong home form continued with a comfortable 3-0 win over Getafe last
weekend. However, it is away from the Calderón that performances have jeopardised
their participation in next season's Champions League. Diego Simeone's
men have won just twice on the road all season and have lost their last
two away games at Mallorca and Real Zaragoza.
The most positive note to come out of the Getafe victory for Simeone was
the scoring return of Diego and the Brazilian playmaker is expected to
start again with Salvio probably dropping to the bench.
Arda Turan is suspended for Thursday's Europa League return-leg against
Hannover so he seems certain to retain his place and Adrián is also
expected to return to partner Falcao in attack.
probable lineups : Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis, Suarez, Gabi, Diego, Adrian, Turan, Falcao. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
Levante have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 home matches against Atletico Madrid in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid have won 7 of their last 8 matches against Levante in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Atletico Madrid's last 6 away games in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid have failed to win their last 5 away matches in La Liga.
Head to Head
| Apr 1, 2012 | Valencia CF 1 - Levante 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 25, 2012 | Levante 0 - Osasuna 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 21, 2012 | Real Sociedad 1 - Levante 3 | LIGA |
| Mar 18, 2012 | Levante 1 - Villarreal 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 10, 2012 | Malaga 1 - Levante 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 5, 2012 | Hannover 96 1 - Atletico Madrid 2 | EL |
| Apr 1, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 3 - Getafe 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 29, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 2 - Hannover 96 1 | EL |
| Mar 25, 2012 | Zaragoza 1 - Atletico Madrid 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 21, 2012 | Atletico Madrid 2 - Athletic Bilbao 1 | LIGA |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Nov 20, 2011 | Atletico Madrid 3 - Levante 2 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Apr 24, 2011 | Atletico Madrid 4 - Levante 1 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Dec 4, 2010 | Levante 2 - Atletico Madrid 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Mar 16, 2008 | Atletico Madrid 3 - Levante 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Oct 28, 2007 | Levante 0 - Atletico Madrid 1 |
Prediction
A game that Atleti almost certainly need to win if they are to maintain
any hope of finishing in the top four and they have a good record
against Levante, having won five of their last six meetings.
However the Madrid side have struggled badly when playing away games
after European ties in recent weeks and with a full week to prepare and a
fully-fit squad to choose from, Levante will fancy their chances.
A draw doesn't really suit either side's objectives and could be the
most likely outcome, but a point will at least guarantee Levante remain
in the top-six for another week no matter what happens elsewhere.
Levante 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid
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