Levante vs Athletic Club

Levante arrive at this fixture hoping a change of opponent sparks a revival, having picked up 5 points from their last 5 games. Their attacking output stands at 7 goals in 5 matches, and they have kept 2 clean sheets in that period. Worryingly for Levante, they have drawn blanks in 3 of their last 5 matches, a return that will need to improve against organised opposition.

Switching attention to Athletic Club, their form tells a rather different story. Recent form suggests Athletic Club are on a positive trajectory — 2 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses in their last 5. With 7 goals from 5 matches, their attack has been somewhat inconsistent, while defensively they have conceded relatively few (1.2 per game). History between these two shows 2 home wins, 2 away wins and 2 draws from 6 meetings. The fixture has averaged 2.8 goals per meeting, with a decent amount of goalmouth action.

The key battle could be between Levante's defensive resilience and Athletic Club's defensive resilience. Whichever side imposes their style early could gain a crucial advantage. With nothing substantive separating these two on paper, a draw would surprise no one — but neither will either side be content with sharing the points. The first goal, again, looks decisive.

This is a genuinely difficult fixture to call, with both sides having their strengths and weaknesses. With so little to separate these sides, it could come down to which team wants it more on the day. Kick-off in the La Liga awaits.