Villarreal vs Levante: La Liga Gamethread

As always here at Villarreal USA we have your matchday gamethread. If you have not joined our community, please do so as soon as possible so you can join us in the comment threads below! The more voices the better.

While this isn’t so much a rivalry like a match against Valencia would be, any time you are facing a regional opponent there are bragging rights at stake. Seeing as how we failed to beat this opponent the last time we faced them there is even more motivation to get a win.

This game should present an interesting blend of styles. Villarreal creates its best chances on a counter attack sprung from a midfield press, Levante applies very little defensive pressure outside their own third. Will we be able to create chances without the counter attack? Levante has certainly given up plenty this season, despite their sitting back style. While they are not as negative in their football as Valladolid was last time out, I wouldn’t expect this to be a free flowing, aesthetically pleasing affair.

Lineups:

Villarreal

1 Asenjo

2 Gaspar, 3 Albiol, 6 Funes Mori, 20. Peña

10 Iborra, 8 Cazorla, 14, Trigueros

7. Gerard, 17, Alcacer, 23, Moi Gomez

Bench: 13 Fernandez, 4 Pau, 9 Bacca, 11 Chukwueze, 16 Quintilla, 19 Anguissa, 24 Ontiveros

With Pau on the bench and Albiol starting, could we actually see our first choice CB pairing soon???

Levante

13 Aitor Fernandez, 9 Roger, 10 Barhi, 14, Ruben Vezo, 15 Postigo, 16 Rochina, 17 Vukcevic, 19 Clerc, 20 Miramon, 21 Majoral, 24 Campana

Bench: Koke Vegas, Tono Garcia, Sergio Leon, AJ Morales, Bruno, Coke, Martinez

Endavant!