Valencia host Levante in a Spanish La Liga fixture, with both teams looking to snap out of their recent struggles. Los Che will be counting on their home record, while the visitors are looking to maintain their away form.
Valencia were held to a 1-1 home draw by Real Betis in their previous La Liga fixture. They were forced to come from behind, with Luis Rioja’s effort eight minutes from time earning them a share of the spoils.
That result extends a recent poor run for Valencia, who are winless in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions. However, Carlos Corberan's men are unbeaten in four of their six home matches so far, with a 3-0 victory over Valencia among their results.
Levante suffered a 3-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid last time out in La Liga despite taking the lead through Manu Sanchez. That was their second straight defeat, having lost 2-1 at home to Celta Vigo in their previous fixture.
Sitting in the relegation zone, one point from safety, Levante will be keen to spark a resurgence on Friday. Julian Calero's side have reasons to feel confident ahead of this one, having gone unbeaten in four of their five La Liga away matches so far.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Valencia
Valencia have been installed as favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 11/10 by bet365. A victory for Levante is valued at 5/2 by Skybet, while a draw is set at odds of 5/2 by Ladbrokes.
Head to head: Valencia on top
Valencia have a 16-6 advantage, with 11 draws in the last 33 matches against Levante. Los Che were unbeaten during the 2021-22 season, earning a 4-3 away win in the first meeting before holding out for a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Duro
Hugo Duro often leads the line for Valencia and has scored three goals this season. The striker was also on target in the last meeting with Levante and will be the one to watch (Hugo Duro anytime goalscorer – valued at 9/5 by Ladbrokes).
Ivan Romero has also stood out for Levante, with four La Liga goals so far. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on (Ivan Romero anytime goalscorer – priced at 3/1 by bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Largie Ramazani and Mouctar Diakhaby are ruled out for Valencia, while Dimitri Folquier and Filip Ugrinic are considered doubtful. Duro could earn a start after coming off the bench last time out, while Jose Copete is set to feature at the back.
Levante are without Carlos Espi and Pablo Martinez, who are both sidelined with injury.
Valencia: Agirrezabala, Correia, Tarrega, Copete, Gaya, Lopez, Guerra, Pepelu, Danjuma, Duro, Almeida.
Levante: Raya, Toljan, Dela, Moreno, Sanchez, Alvarez, Elgezebal, Arriaga, Olasagasti, Etta Eyong, Brugue.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in Levante's last four matches (BTTS YES – available 3/4 with Betway). Their last six matches have also produced over 2.5 goals – offered at odds of 19/20 with William Hill.
Valencia have scored first in four of their last six matches (Valencia to score first – set at odds of 4/5 with Skybet).
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