Fifth start in seven weeks, and the third straight match against teams with a clear promotion edge. If taken by hand, the assessment of Cornellà ends a touch harshly, as they return to the big stage at Ciudad de Valencia this afternoon. The team looks more like the one that kept Espanyol under pressure than the side that paid dear for mistakes against leaders Zaragoza at La Romareda. Estevez cannot rely on Marco Doure or Alex Martinez. They are the only players in the league to suffer a setback in a scouting campaign that is still unfolding despite a solid start.
Levante had already done part of the work required to rebound from a 1-4 hammering against Espanyol by winning at Alcorcón last Saturday. Still, home results have not followed suit in their two most recent fixtures, and they know that a significant part of their ambition to stay near the top involves thriving in home duels. The coach, Javi Calleja, can’t count on injured players in this derby, with Ivan Romero and Robert Ibanez also ruled out for the next six weeks due to a bone edema in the left foot.
“Eldense are a highly competitive team. They will not yield us easily, and it will be tough. We would be disappointed if we assume they cannot confront us because we have just earned promotion.”
In response, Levante’s coach kept Postigo and Vezo in the squad. The starter reported some ankle discomfort during the week but arrived on time, with the Portuguese player serving a one-match suspension for the Alcorcón game. The absence of Andrés García, who started five of the six rounds so far, will force Calleja to adjust part of the midfield. The plan may see a shift with a defender moving to the right, joining Koço and King in the middle, and Lozano on the left while a different pairing lines up elsewhere.
Another potential change could involve ownership. Bruges, who opened their season with a goal at Arcángel, will accompany him in Levante’s attack. A notable facet of the squad selection was Pablo Martínez, who is approaching seven months since a ligament injury in the left knee.
Fear
“They are a very competitive team. They will not give us anything, and our task will be difficult. We would be disappointed if we think they cannot stand up to us because we are promoted,” the Granota coach said during the pre-derby press conference. The message echoed the belief that vigilance is required and respect for Eldense remains high.
“I look at the team they have and the moment they are in. A squad of the category, with players who can clash and fight. They started strong this season and they will continue to compete until the end,” Calleja added. Levante’s coach is convinced they must “get stronger” at their stadium, aware of the atmosphere expected on the field after two home fixtures without a win.
“We want the ground full and the fans leaving happy. Every match is crucial for staying as high as possible,” he noted, acknowledging that Eldense will have local support this afternoon (16:15, the match broadcast on Movistar LaLiga Hypermotion).
“Seeing the conditions around us, the future looks optimistic for the team.”
Estévez and his players feel the Alicante outfit is progressing on the right track and capable of competing with such teams, as they demonstrated against Cartagena, Espanyol, or Villarreal B at home. Deportivo faces Levante with this confidence, recalling a historic moment when they won 2-5 at the Granota Stadium in the Second League B back in the 87-88 season.
“We are under construction, but that isn’t just a saying – it’s a clear fact. We barely had time to assemble the squad in the summer and yet we are rebuilding while we push forward. Eight points, even with five of seven weeks away from our stadium, shows progress,” Estévez defended, stressing the collective effort. “Seeing the conditions we face, optimism is warranted, but we must also recognize we are facing the last finalist for promotion to the First League,” he added, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
Possible squads:
► I grew up: Andrés Fernández, Capa, Vezo or Postigo, Álex Muñoz, Valle, Lozano, Rey, Kocho, Cantero, Brugué and Bouldini.
► If from hand: Guille Vallejo, Toni Abad, Dumic, Carlos Hernández, Poloni, Timor, Sergio Ortuño, Marc Mateu, Iván Chapela, Soberón and Florín Andone.
► Judge: Sánchez López (Murcian School).
► Stadium: The city of Valencia.
► Hour: 16:15
► TELEVISION: Movistar LaLiga Hypermotion.