Levante vs Atletico Madrid
Spain – La Liga
Date: Saturday, 18th May 2019
Kick-off at 12.00 UK/ 13.00 CET
Venue: Estadi Ciutat de València (Valencia).
The first match of the new decade in Wanda Metropolitano viewed Levante came to the city to take Atleti. It's obvious the game host will be expected to win, but Diego Simeone will realize that this Levante side has consistently proven to be a real game for the big guns after claiming some famous scalp already this term.
This is not a be a big season for Atleti this far but they did end 2019 on a more encouraging note with the progress of the Champions League and back-to-back league victories to round off what was a very successful decade for them. A 2-1 win at Benito Villamarin last time push them back up to fourth but they remain seven points behind leaders Barcelona heading into this match.
Barcelona beat Levante already this season and they are also winners go into a high-flying Real Sociedad so they have form when it comes to winning games they are already heading towards a big underdog. Consistency has not exactly been their strong point but Paco Lopez will still be more than happy with how the season is panning out given they also ended 2019 with back-to-back league wins to move to the top.
They will fight the Atleti side that should be close to full strength here with Diego Simeone hope to have Koke back from a hamstring injury. Joao Felix opportunities to partner Alvaro Morata in attack for Los Rojiblancos may look to add fresh attacking weapons this month given their goal scoring problems.
TEAM NEWS
Atletico Madrid
Predicted line-up (4-4-2): Oblak; Trippier, Felipe, Gimenez, Renan Lodi; Herrera, Partey, Saul, Correa; Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata
Not available: Vrsaljko (Injured), Lemar (Hurt), Savic (Hurt), Borja Garces (Hurt), Koke (Hurt), Diego Costa (Hurt), Dario Poveda (Hurt), Saponjic (Injured)
doubtful:
Levante
Predicted line-up (4-4-2): Aitor Fernandez; Coke, Cabaço, Sergio Postigo, Clerc; Rochina, Campana, Radoja, Bardhi; Morales, Roger Marti
Not available: Rober (Injured), Ruben Vezo (Hurt), Miramon (Hurt), Duarte (Hurt), Melero (Hurt), Ivan Lopez (Injured)
doubtful:
Match Facts
Atletico have won their last 10 home games in all competitions against Levante.
There are more than 2.5 goals in the last 8 matches Levante (LaLiga).
Atletico have kept a clean sheet in their last three home games against Levante in all competitions.
Atletico unbeaten in 15 of their 16 home matches (LaLiga).
There has been under 2.5 goals in 6 of the last 7 home matches Atletico (LaLiga
Levante have scored at least two goals in their last 3 games (LaLiga).
PREDICTION
Atletico Madrid have picked up of late, winning their last three games.
The hosts have kept clean sheets in the last two games Wanda Metropolitano, beat Osasuna and Lokomotiv Moscow, convenient.
Levante have won the last three in all competitions, scoring 10 goals in the process.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2 1 Levante
