Let's be blunt: Levante's attacking prowess is a formidable asset. Their formation (4-1-4-1) allows them to dominate the midfield and create high-quality chances, evidenced by their league-leading xG. In contrast, Athletic Club's defensive setup (4-2-3-1) has been effective but has recently shown signs of wear, particularly when facing teams that can exploit the spaces left by their pressing style.
Historically, Levante has enjoyed a strong home record against Athletic Club, winning 3 of their last 5 encounters at this venue. This historical dominance, combined with a fully fit squad, contrasts sharply with Athletic Club's current situation, where key players are missing due to injuries. The impact of these absences cannot be overstated; they will likely hinder Athletic Club's tactical flexibility and overall performance.
Moreover, while Athletic Club has been able to keep clean sheets in 40% of their matches, their recent form has been inconsistent, and they are grappling with significant personnel losses. This creates a classic case of a team that, despite having a solid defense, may struggle to maintain that solidity against a team like Levante, which is adept at creating high xG opportunities.
On the flip side, Levante has shown vulnerabilities in their finishing, failing to score in 75% of their matches. However, given the current dynamics and the attacking metrics in play, it seems likely that they will capitalize on their home advantage and the weaknesses in Athletic Club's defense.