Following their disappointment in the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid turn their attention to La Liga as they host Levante on Saturday.
Los Blancos are coming into a new era under a new manager and will be keen to maintain the pressure on the leaders, while the visitors are struggling to find their best form.
Real Madrid started the week by parting ways with manager Xabi Alonso following their 3-2 defeat in the Super Cup final. Alvaro Arbeloa is the new man at the helm and began his tenure with a shock 3-2 defeat at Segunda side Albacete in the Copa Del Rey.
Sitting four points off the pace in La Liga, Real Madrid will be keen to maintain the pressure on the leaders. They have picked up a few one-sided home results lately, like the 4-0 victory over Valencia and the 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis in their previous La Liga fixture.
Meanwhile, Levante have been poor this season and are winless in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, losing six times on this run. Luis Castro’s men were held to a 1-1 home draw with Espanyol in their previous La Liga fixture.
Levante are currently in the relegation zone, four points from safety, and need a swift upturn in results. However, their away form has also been unconvincing, with just two wins and four defeats in their last six matches on the road.
How the bookies view it: Real Madrid overwhelming favourites
Real Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 1/6 by Ladbrokes to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Levante is valued at 16/1 by Betfred, while a draw is set at odds of 8/1 by Paddy Power.
Head to head: Dominant Los Blancos
Real Madrid have a 21-6 advantage, with four draws in the last 31 matches against Levante. Los Blancos eased to a 4-1 away victory in the reverse fixture back in September.
Players to watch: Mbappe to star
Kylian Mbappe has 18 La Liga goals this season and will be the one to watch for Real Madrid. The forward grabbed a brace in the reverse fixture and will be keen to find the net once again (Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer – valued at 2/9 by William Hill).
Levante will look to Karl Etta Eyong to provide the spark in attack, having scored five La Liga goals this season. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on (Karl Etta Eyong anytime goalscorer – offered at 4/1 on Paddy Power).
Probable line-ups:
Kylian Mbappe made his return from injury during the Super Cup and could earn a start on Saturday. Jude Bellingham should line up in midfield, while Antonio Rudiger is set to feature at the back.
Etta Eyong came off the bench last time out after returning from the AFCON and could play from the start on Saturday. Dela and Matias Moreno should continue their central defensive partnership.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe.
Levante: Ryan, Toljan, Dela, Moreno, Varela Pampin, Martinez, Arriaga, Tunde, Alvarez, Losada, Romero.
Anything else catch the eye?
The last three matches between Real Madrid and Levante have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 8/11 Betfred. Los Blancos have also won by two or more goals in the last two meetings (Real Madrid -2 handicap – offered at Evens with Paddy Power).
Real Madrid have won both halves in the last two matches against Levante (Real Madrid to win both halves – available at 11/10 by William Hill).
When one side looks too strong, a handicap bet can even things up. Learn how in our Handicap Betting Masterclass.
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