Levante vs Valencia Preview: Lineups, team news and prediction for Sunday's derby
Levante welcome city rivals Valencia to Ciutat de València on Sunday, February 15, with kick-off at 12: 30 PM ET in a fixture that carries big survival implications. Both teams arrive under pressure: Levante sit 19th and trying to halt a poor run at home, while Valencia are perilously placed in 17th and seeking to avoid a third straight defeat.
Where the teams stand and recent form
Levante have 18 points from 22 matches this season and occupy the drop zone after a campaign plagued by defensive frailties. The hosts have conceded 38 times in the league, one of the worst records in LaLiga, and their home form is particularly alarming — just seven points from 10 home matches. The side remains vulnerable at the back, though there have been encouraging flashes in the final third.
Valencia sit just above the relegation places on goal difference but have lacked consistency under their current management. Los Che have lost each of their last three matches across competitions and head into the derby following a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid. Historically, Valencia have dominated the rivalry, but recent encounters have been tight; Valencia won the reverse fixture earlier this season by a single goal.
Team news: injuries, suspensions and selection puzzles
Levante manager Luis Castro faces a number of absences. Victor Garcia and Roger Brugue remain sidelined by injuries, while Jeremy Toljan is suspended after accumulating a milestone yellow card. Central defender Alan Matturro was sent off in Levante's last match and will miss the derby through suspension, though Matias Moreno is expected to pass a late head-injury check and be available to reinforce the back line. Etta Eyong is set to continue contributing in the final third amid transfer interest.
Valencia have a mixed fitness update. Iker Cordoba and Cristian Rivero return to contention after serving suspensions, but Jose Copete will be banned for accumulating a milestone yellow card. Arnaut Danjuma and Mouctar Diakhaby are ruled out with injuries, and Dimitri Foulquier faces a late fitness test that could shape full-back options. The manager must balance the need for defensive solidity with attacking intent in a fixture that rarely produces a comfortable outcome for either side.
Key battles and prediction
The central battle will play out in midfield and across both boxes. Levante must tighten up at the back to have any chance; their centre-backs will be under constant pressure from Valencia’s attackers even with Danjuma absent. Valencia, meanwhile, need to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances and guard against rapid counters that have hurt them in previous matches.
Head-to-head history tips slightly in Valencia’s favour — they have won the majority of derby meetings — but form and squad availability make this far from a foregone conclusion. Levante have shown resilience in patches and will be bolstered by home support, yet their defensive record and recent disciplinary setbacks are worrying.
Prediction: a narrow away victory for Valencia. Expect a low-scoring contest decided by a single moment of quality or a set-piece. Final score prediction: Levante 0-1 Valencia.
