Prediction: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 6/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
Top leagues across Europe are now right in the midst of the always chaotic December period and the same is true for La Liga. It’s been a season unlike any other for the Spanish top flight with many surprise results up and down the league, and today, we’re going to be taking a look at a game that will pit two teams against one another that are much closer than you might think. Barcelona are in 9th place and Levante are in 17th, but they’re actually only separated by three points.
Barcelona
The expectations may have been low heading into the campaign, but somehow, it feels like Barcelona are even failing to meet that bar right now. Ronald Koeman is a decent manager in his own right but he just hasn’t been able to find the winning formula at the club. Whether or not he gets a chance to stick it out remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: it’s vital that he picks up a positive result on Sunday.
Team News
Dembele is a doubt for this one and Roberto, Fati and Pique are all ruled out through injury. In more positive news, however, Coutinho is back in the mix after being left out of training earlier in the week due to personal problems.
Levante
Even though Levante are still down in the relegation mix in La Liga, they’re starting to piece together a few confident performances that seem to indicate they could begin to make a push for the top half. Of course, simply breaking away from the bottom three is going to be the priority but they aren’t going to be heading to the Nou Camp in fear. Instead, they’ll go there knowing that they are capable of giving the hosts a bloody nose.
Team News
De Frutos will be rewarded for his strong showings lately with a place in the starting XI with Rochina being set to start against his former club. Bardhi, Doukoure and Campana are all injured for what could well be Levante’s biggest game of the league season so far.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in February, Barcelona beat Levante 2-1.
- Barcelona have won three and lost three of their last six games.
- Levante have won one and drawn five of their last six games.
- Barcelona have scored 12 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
- Levante have scored eight goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
We do think Barca are going to struggle to get going a bit here because when you’re low on confidence, just about every game is going to be difficult – and that’s especially true against a Levante side that have forgotten how to lose. It’s going to be gritty affair and it’s probably going to come down to the wire, but Barca’s quality will see them through with a late goal saving Koeman’s blushes.
Prediction: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 6/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
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