Espanyol host Levante at the RCDE Stadium on April 27, and it's shaping up as a crucial clash in La Liga's mid-table muddle. The home side haven't tasted victory in 2026, stumbling through 14 games without a win, yet they're comfortably clear of the drop zone. That said, Levante are scrapping for their lives, just three points from safety after back-to-back wins that've injected some much-needed fight into their campaign.
And while Espanyol sit 13th with 38 points from 32 games, their recent form tells a sorry tale. Losses to Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, Getafe, and Mallorca, plus a draw with Real Betis, paint a picture of a team low on confidence. But Levante aren't exactly flying high either; their last five include a draw and a loss, though they've managed wins over Getafe and Sevilla to keep hopes alive. They've strung together a DDWLWW run in La Liga, which might just give them a edge in this scrap.
History favors Espanyol in head-to-head battles. The sides drew 1-1 back in January, and Espanyol boast an unbeaten record in their last five meetings, with three wins and two draws. That's something to build on, especially at home. Injuries could tilt things further, though. Espanyol will miss Javi Puado for the long haul due to a cruciate ligament tear, and Fernando Calero's fitness is up in the air. Over on the visitors' side, Ivan Romero is suspended, while Roger Brugue, Unai Elgezabal, and Kareem Tunde are all sidelined with various knocks.
Key figures might steal the show here. Espanyol's Kike García leads the line with eight goals, and Edu Expósito's assists could unlock Levante's defense. For the away team, Carlos Espi has been their bright spot, notching eight goals in 19 appearances. Expected lineups suggest Espanyol in a 4-4-2 with Dmitrovic in goal, while Levante opt for a 4-1-4-1 led by Ryan between the posts. It's a setup that could make for a tight, tactical affair.
But let's not sugarcoat it—Espanyol should edge this one. They're at home, unbeaten in recent H2H, and Levante's absences weaken their already fragile squad. I expect a narrow win for the hosts, given their form dip, yet they've got the tools to capitalize on Levante's desperation.
Now, onto the bets. Levante's fightback is real, but Espanyol's home ground advantage tips the scales. Here's where I'd put my money.
Recommended Bets
Bet 1 @2.00 — Espanyol to win; they're unbeaten in the last five H2H and Levante's injuries disrupt their lineup.
Bet 2 @1.80 — Under 2.5 goals; both teams' recent matches have been low-scoring, with Espanyol drawing blanks in attack.
Bet 3 @3.50 — Kike García to score anytime; he's Espanyol's top scorer with eight goals and could exploit Levante's defensive woes.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
