La Liga
Real Madrid vs Levante Preview
Levante visit the Spanish capital seeking to continue to climb higher in La Liga rankings. The Valencia based club currently sit in 11th and are on a two game winning streak.
Conversely, hosts Real Madrid are on a four game win-less streak having failed to score a goal in all four. Los Blancos currently sit in 4th, two points behind leaders Sevilla.
Team News
Armando Sadiku and Coke continue to be unavailable for coach Paco López. Otherwise, the visitors have no new injury problems. In attack, top scorers Jose Luis Morales and Roger Martí should get the start. Although winger Enis Bardhi has made a strong case for his start after scoring a match winner two weeks ago.
Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui has a handful of injury concerns leading up to Saturday’s match. Despite the return of Isco and Marcelo from injury, the Spanish coach could be without attacking pair Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Likewise, right back Dani Carvajal continues to recover from a calf problem.
Lineups and Prediction
Real Madrid: Courtois; Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio, Mariano, Lucas
Levante: Oier; Cabaco, Postigo, Rober; Jason, Prcic, Rochina, Gomez, Tono; Morales, Marti
Levante will not be very intimidated when they visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday morning (7 am EDT). Interestingly, the visitors have not lost in their opponent’s stadium since 2015. Last season saw the two teams tie in both encounters and Lopetegui’s non-scoring team have not shown signs of revival.
Be that as it may, Madrid have not lost to their guests since 2007. This means that unless the hosts discover their scoring form, a draw is the most likely outcome. Although most predict Real’s goals to come every match, they haven’t. Furthermore, the expected absence of Bale and Benzema adds more questions than answers.
Even though Bale may be fit enough to feature, the Welshman will likely be rested for Tuesday’s Champions League match. All attention will be on Lucas Vasquez and Mariano’s ability to deliver in attack, with the potential addition of Vinicius Jr. Expect Vasquez and the youngsters to deliver at home with Isco playing a role.
Levante 0 – 2 Real Madrid
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Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
