Top of the table clash to follow on from WC opener
Levante take on Las Palmas in a top of the table clash in the Spanish Segunda Liga, the match may pick up some extra eyeballs due to only one World Cup fixture happening on Sunday.
Both sides have been in La Liga in the not too distant past, and the hosts are fairly strong favourites to leapfrog Las Palmas in victory.
It is very tight at the top of the division, and this match is arguably more evenly matched than the market is suggesting.
The visitors have only picked up one point from their last three encounters in the league, and for that reason they will be looking over their shoulders and hoping to maintain their position in the automatic promotion spots.
Process
Las Palmas are the better side in both boxes looking at some of the underlying numbers, however their recent regression in results compared to Levante’s would suggest that there is less between the two sides.
Away from home Las Palmas have been very impressive so far this season, as have Levante, but should give them confidence heading into such a challenging fixture.
Las Palmas are creating chances at an average of 1.89 expected goals (xG) for, compared to the 1.38 that Levante are generating on average.
15 games into the season that is a considerable difference, but both sides have only scored 17 goals in that time.
The visitors are stronger defensively, only conceding eight goals from 15 league encounters, allowing chances equating to just 1.05 xGA per game, compared to the hosts who are conceding chances to a value of 1.42 xGA per game on average so far.
Goals?
In looking for an angle for this fixture, which is not a league that I regularly bet on, keeping two outcomes onside appealed in what is a very evenly matched fixture, where not many would be surprised to see a draw play out.
Therefore, a goals angle does not entice me to get involved in, although it is worth considering some numbers in painting a picture of how the game may pan out.
Levante have scored in seven of ten.
Levante have conceded in five of ten.
Levante have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Levante have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Las Palmas have scored in seven of ten.
Las Palmas have conceded in four of ten.
Las Palmas have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Las Palmas have seen over 2.5 goals in one of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
We take a half win into the World Cup.