May 13, 2012 7:00 PM BST
Estadio Ciudad de Valencia — Valencia
Team News
Levante
Levante slipped out of the top six for the first time in 12 weeks as
they were defeated 1-0 by Mallorca last weekend, but Los Granotes will
remain confident of securing a European place on the final day of the
season.
Juan Ignacio Martinez's men must better Mallorca's result away to Real
Madrid to make it back into the Europa League places and could even
still make the Champions League should the Islanders and Atletico Madrid
not win and Malaga lose.
The hosts will, however, almost certainly be without Arouna Kone for the
third straight game and goalkeeper Gustavo Munua is also suspended.
Gustavo Cabral will return from his ban and Juanfran is expected to reclaim his place at left-back.
Probable lineups : Navas, Juanfran, Cabral, Ballesteros, Lopez, Torres, Iborra, Botelho, Barkero, Valdo, Ghezzal. (4-2-3-1).
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic suffered the huge disappointment of going down 3-0 to Atletico
Madrid in midweek and, given their league form of late, could suffer a
hangover at the Ciutat de Valencia.
Marcelo Bielsa opted to rest nine of his first-choice XI last weekend
and may give some of his squad players another opportunity as he
prepares for the Copa del Rey final in two weeks time.
Javi Martinez is available again after suspension, but is expected to be
rested with Borja Ekiza coming into central defence and there should
also be a final Athletic appearance for Igor Gabilondo before he moves
on in the summer.
Probable lineups : Iraizoz, Iraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe, Iturraspe, Perez, Susaeta, Gomez, Gabilondo, Toquero. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
Levante have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Athletic Bilbao in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Levante in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao have won their last 6 matches against Levante in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao have conceded at least 2 goals in 9 of their last 10 away matches in La Liga.
Athletic Bilbao have failed to score in their last 3 matches in La Liga.
Head to Head
| Spain - Primera Division | Jan 15, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 3 - Levante 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | May 7, 2011 | Athletic Bilbao 3 - Levante 2 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Dec 18, 2010 | Levante 1 - Athletic Bilbao 2 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Feb 10, 2008 | Athletic Bilbao 1 - Levante 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Sep 23, 2007 | Levante 1 - Athletic Bilbao 2 |
Prediction
Levante have been one of the stories of the La Liga season and their
ability to stay the course throughout the season deserves to be rewarded
with European football.
Fortunately for them they are running into a wounded lion in the shape
of Athletic who will be both emotionally and physically drained from
Wednesday and have nothing to play for.
Kone's absence is still a big one, but the likes of Barkero and Valdo
should provide enough goalscoring threat to push Levante over the line.
Levante 2 - 0 Athletic Bilbao
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