Next Sunday, 23rd of November 2014, Levante and Valencia will measure forces for the Comunidad Valenciana Derby for the round 12 of Spanish Liga BBVA, on a match during which the home side will do everything within their reach to snatch the three points in order to find sanctuary, even if momentarily, from relegation and Los Che will go in for the “kill”, in an attempt to secure their place behind Barcelona and Real Madrid and kept their closest contenders at bay.

After an impressive and fully deserved win at El Madrigal earlier this month, Valencia didn’t find a way to overcome Athletic Bilbao two weeks ago. The Basque team rallied their troops before their travel to Mestalla and somehow caught Valencia red handed, as Los Che never seemed able to decompose the strategy created by Ernesto Valverde.

Despite their recent slip up, Valencia continue to be a very pleasant surprise at La Liga this season and the work Nuno Espirito Santo has been doing at the helm of the team is trully remarkable, especially if we have in mind the problems they have faced last season. The Portuguese boss reacted with emotion when he commented on the fact that Valencia’s supporters had screamed his name at Mestalla during the team’s last match, something that showed a clear sign of appreciation for the splendid work he has been developing so far.

For the upcoming derby, the former Portuguese Youth International goalkeeper will probably still not be able to rely on the contribution of the Spanish midfielder Daniel Parejo, who is currently sidelined due to injury.

As for Levante, after their truly disappointing season start, they seem to have managed to find a way to counter their crisis. The arrival of the new manager, Lucas Alcaraz,has apparently brought the inspiration Levante’s players were striving for and the team snatched four points in their last two matches.

After a narrow home win over Almeria, Levante granted an outstanding draw at Sanchez Pizjuan two weeks ago and changed places with Cordoba at the bottom of the table.

For the Comunidad Valenciana's big match, Lucas Alcaraz is not yet certain if he will be able to count on Martins and Gavilan, who are currently recovering from their injuries.

Despite the Granotes, recent improvements, they might still not have what is necessary to defeat a very well organized team such as Valencia and, for that reason, Los Che are firm favourites to win next Sunday’s clash.

Levante

Stats: W-1 L-2 D-2

Recent Form - DWLLD

Valencia

Stats: W-3 L-1 D-1

Recent Form - DWWLW

Possible Line-ups

Levante (4-4-2) - Marino - Navarro - Lopez - Vyntra - Karabelas - Diop - Sissoko - Garcia - Ivanschitz - Barral - Casadesus

Valencia (4-3-3) - Diego Alves - Gayá - Otamendi - Mustafi - Barragan - Javi Fuego - André Gomes - Feghouli - Piatti - P. Alcácer - Rodrigo

Prediction

Levante 0 Valencia 1