Will Elche also score in the Valencia derby?
Both Levante UD, based in Valencia, and Elche CF from the Valencian province of Alicante are located on Spain’s east coast. Just over 100 kilometres separate the two clubs, who now face each other in a derby on matchday 26 of La Liga. The home side, who are nine points off the top of the table, are under much more pressure than their opponents.
Last year’s almost-relegated Elche, on the other hand, are in a secure mid-table position with 29 points from 25 league games and occupy 13th place in the table. All the more surprising is the odds distribution of the bookmakers. In the run-up to the derby between Levante and Elche, the odds are clearly in favour of the home side.
Although Levante presented themselves stronger again with four of six possible points from the last two league games. Elche, on the other hand, have lost only one of their last seven league games and arrive in much better form. Accordingly, there is considerably more value to be found in tip 2 for Levante against Elche.
The combined bet of double chance X2, which also includes the draw, and under 3.5 goals offers the highest probability. After all, more than three goals have not been scored in any of the last 18 encounters between the two clubs.
Levante – Statistics & current form
Levante Unión Deportiva have been in La Liga consistently since 2017, but that could change in just a few months. The Granotes (in German: die Frosche) are stuck deep in the bottom of the table. They have not won a single one of their first 19 league games of the 2021/22 season, and the Valencia club is currently nine points off the bottom of the table.
At first, it looked as if the change of coach in December had been in vain. The first four games under Alessio Lisci were all lost. But then the Valencians managed a slight turnaround.
Four points out of a possible six from the last two league games
First, the knot burst at home against RCD Mallorca in a 2-0 win on January 8.
After three more defeats in a row, the Granotes then picked up four points out of a possible six from the two away games at Atlético Madrid (1-0) and Celta Vigo (1-1).
All in all, the Granotes have now won two games, which shows a slight upward trend, but has not yet changed the poor situation in the long term. The team at the bottom of the table is already five points adrift of 19th place.
Only one win in the last 17 home games in La Liga
At least defensively, however, the club from Valencia has been much better of late. With 51 goals conceded, the men from the Spanish east coast still have the weakest defence in La Liga. In the last two league games, however, the defence only conceded one more goal.
The bookmakers even see the Granotes as favourites in the derby.
Predicted Levante line-up:
Cárdenas – Son – Cáceres – Duarte – Pier – Miramón – Bardhi – Pepelu – Melero – Gómez – Morales
Last matches played by Levante:
LaLiga
02/21 2022 – Celta Vigo 1 – 1 Levante
02/16 2022 – Atletico Madrid 0 – 1 Levante
02/13 2022 – Levante 2 – 4 Real Betis
02/04 2022 – Getafe 3 – 0 Levante
01/22 2022 – Levante 0 – 2 Cadiz
Elche – Statistics & current form
Elche Club de Fútbol have had some very lively years. After spending many years in La Liga 2, the men from the Valencian province of Alicante were promoted to La Liga in 2013, where they took over financially.
Just two years later, the Franjiverdes finished 13th in the final table, but were forced to be relegated after having their licence revoked. Instead of working on a return to La Liga, they even went down to the third division for a year before two promotions within three years led the East Spaniards back to the top flight of Spanish football in 2020.
Nine points clear of the first relegation spot
In a difficult season with many players on loan, Elche just managed to stay in 17th place last summer, despite winning only eight of their 38 league games. In the new season, things are looking much calmer.
The Franjiverdes have already won seven of their first 25 league games and are currently 13th in the table, nine points clear of the first relegation spot, in a safe mid-table position in La Liga.
Always scored in six of the last seven away games
The new year has been particularly good for Francisco Rodríguez’s side, who have lost just one of their last seven league games – a 2-0 defeat at second-placed Sevilla FC. Two weeks earlier, meanwhile, they even held leaders Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw away from home.
It is therefore likely that the Franjiverdes, who have also scored in six of their last seven away games, will win the Valencia derby between Levante and Elche.
Predicted line-up of Elche:
Badia – Mojica – Bigas – Roco – Barragán – Fidel – Guti – Mascarell – Morente – Carrillo – Milla
Last matches played by Elche:
LaLiga
02/18 2022 – Elche 2 – 1 Rayo Vallecano
02/11 2022 – Sevilla 2 – 0 Elche
02/05 2022 – Elche 3 – 1 Deportivo Alaves
01/23 2022 – Real Madrid 2 – 2 Elche
Copa del Rey
01/20 2022 – Elche 1 – 2 Real Madrid
Levante – Elche Direct comparison / H2H balance
Head to head: 14 – 17 – 8
There have been a total of 39 meetings between the two Valencian teams so far and the overall balance is in favour of the Granotes, who, however, have currently waited for three meetings with the Franjiverdes for another victory. The first leg ended 1-1.
Levante – Elche tip
With regard to the fact that 17 of the 39 derbies between the two teams from the east coast of Spain have ended in a draw, it is important to take the possibility of a draw into account when predicting Levante against Elche. It must be said, however, that a single point is not enough for the beaten Granotes. All the more reason for the home side to play to win, which should sooner or later open up the necessary spaces for the Franjiverdes.
Also considering that the Franjiverdes have always scored in six of their last seven away games, we see Elche slightly in advantage. We therefore bet on Double Chance X2 at under 3.5 goals. After all, more goals have not been scored in any of their last 18 encounters.
