Espanyol Form
Espanyol are going through a rough patch: in their last five matches they have suffered four defeats and managed just one draw. The winless run was extended by a narrow 0:1 loss to Rayo Vallecano in the previous round, once again exposing issues in attack. Since the turn of the year, the home team have not recorded a single victory. That is down to a leaky defence, which has made at least one costly mistake in 15 of the last 16 league games. Going forward things also look meagre, especially at home – only five goals scored across the last six outings.
Key numbers for Espanyol:
In 12 of their last 15 matches, the hosts have conceded in the second half.
Espanyol have conceded more than one goal in five of their last six home games.
In each of the previous six head-to-head meetings, Espanyol and Levante have both scored.
Potential lineup (4-4-2): Marko Dmitrovic — Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero — Pere Milla, Edu Exposito, Pol Lozano, Tyrhys Dolan — Kike Garcia, Roberto Fernandez.
Unavailable: Javi Puado (injury).
Levante Form
Levante under Luis Castro are enjoying a real renaissance. The team have won three of their last five matches, including an eye-catching 2:0 victory over Sevilla. The coach has found a pragmatic balance, tightening discipline at the back while maintaining attacking swagger. Despite sitting 19th, the visitors have scored 37 goals, outscoring several rivals above them in the table such as Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Athletic Bilbao. The main problem remains away form – only three wins in 15 league trips.
Key numbers for Levante:
Levante have lost the second half in four of their last five matches.
In seven of Levante's last home games, the score has been level at half-time.
The visitors have conceded in the second half in five successive away games.
Potential lineup (4-2-2): Mathew Ryan — Jeremy Toljan, Adrian de la Fuente, Matias Moreno, Manuel Sanchez — Etta Eyong, Jon Ander Olasagasti, Hugo Raguber, Victor Garcia — Pablo Martinez, Carlos Espi.
Unavailable: Unai Elgezabal (injury), Roger Brugue, Karim Tunde (doubts).
