After failing to win against title rivals Atletico Madrid, Barcelona will hope to return to winning ways when they travel to the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia for a Spanish La Liga clash against Levante. The Catalans need to win to stay in the title race and should overcome the hosts.
Levante were close to securing all three points in their previous La Liga outing but a late equaliser meant they had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Alaves. A Jose Luis Morales double had given them the lead heading into the final three minutes but they were unable to hold on for the win.
The result ended a run of four straight defeats for the Valencia-based club. They have claimed just one win in their last eight La Liga matches and are likely to end the season in the bottom half of the table.
Manager Paco Lopez has gotten no home comforts in recent weeks having lost their last three matches at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, including a 5-1 defeat to Villarreal. They have also struggled to keep things tight at the back with eight goals conceded in their last three home matches.
Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Atletico Madrid last time out in La Liga. They struggled to break down the leaders and failed to create too many clear-cut openings.
The result leaves the Catalans third on the table, two points off Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. They will have to win their final three matches and hope both Madrid clubs drop points to stand any chance of winning the title.
Despite the draw last time out, Ronald Koeman will still head into Thursday’s match with plenty of confidence as Barca boast the best away record in La Liga. They have won 11 of their last 12 away matches and triumphed 3-2 over Valencia in their last fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Barcelona as favourites with the Catalans priced at 27/100 by novibet to win. A victory for Levante is valued at 11/1 by Skybet while betfair is offering 13/2 for a draw.
With Barcelona often impressing on their travels, I am leaning towards an away win here.
Head to head
Barcelona have a 22-3 advantage with four draws from 29 previous matches against Levante. The Catalans have also won the last two meetings and claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in December.
Players to watch
Lionel Messi was subdued against Atletico Madrid but remains La Liga's top scorer with 28 goals. The Argentine forward has found the net seven times in his last seven matches against Levante and is priced at 1/3 by bet365 in the anytime goalscorer market while the first goal is valued at 21/10 by Vbet.
Levante will hope Jose Luis Morales can continue his good scoring form following his brace last time out. Paddy Power has the striker at odds of 21/10 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Barcelona often comfortable against Levante, a -1 handicap could be considered at 13/19 with Sport Nation. There may also be some value in the goals market with over 3.5 goals priced at 41/50 with novibet, while betfair is offering 15/8 for over 4.5 goals.
A Barcelona win and over 3.5 goals could be worth a punt at 21/20 with bet365. Lionel Messi could also be backed to score two or more goals at 6/4 with BetVictor.
This La Liga match between Levante and Barcelona will be played on May 11, 2021 and kick off at 21:00. Check below for our tipsters best Levante vs Barcelona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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