Levante vs Mallorca

December 8, 2012
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Levante will have something to build on after they ensured progress into the Europa League knockout stages, with los Granotas now hoping to climb to European places with three points from this match. Mallorca missed a great chance to beat Deportivo La Coruna at home, meaning they are now winless in last 11 games.

European success

Levante have done brilliantly to transform themselves from relegation strugglers to genuine top table side over the course of last two years and the club from Valencia just continue to impress. Many believed that they would struggle to repeat the sixth-place finish from last season, but the reality is los Granotas are playing just as well as they did last term. Despite only fielding second string sides, Levante eased off to Europa League knockout stages, and they can now fully focus on further improving their league position. Juan Ignacio Martinez’s side have been absolutely brilliant at their Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, winning all four games against teams outside the top 3, while picking up one point from clashes against Atletico, Real and Barcelona. With key players well rested after missing the Hannover clash in midweek, the excellent home run looks likely to continue.

Papakouli Diop is doubtful through injury, while Dariusz Dudka is definitely out. Obafemi Martins, Sergio Ballesteros and other first team regulars return to the side. Midfielder Juanlu misses out through suspension.

Still no win for Mallorca

Real Mallorca may have finished last league campaign just few points behind Levante, but they had clearly been punching above their weight as this season has shown. Despite numerous changes in the playing squad, los Bermellones enjoyed a bright start to the new La Liga campaign, picking up 11 points from first 5 games, but their impressive run was short-lived. Mallorca have since lost 7 and drew 2 of their next nine league games, while playing out two draws in Copa del Rey. The situation is now extremely difficult given the team are just one point above the relegation zone, while players are completely out of confidence following such a disappointing run of results. Taking also into account team’s 0-3-4 away record, one cannot really expect Mallorca to stop high-flying Levante from winning this game.

Important midfielder Michael Pereira is out injured, while Kenechukwu Uche remain long-term casualty.

Verdict

Having done so well at home this season and boosted by their Europa League success, Levante go into this game high on confidence. Mallorca, on the other hand, are all over the place at the moment and being under so much pressure they will struggle to produce a good performance at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. Clear home win for me.

Top pick: Home win   2.15 (23/20) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.95 (19/20) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 2: Levante to score two or more   2.20 (6/5) @ Ladbrokes

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