Preview: Levante-Alaves

Gianni De Biasi oversees his first game as Alaves Coach on Saturday, when he takes La Liga’s basement boys to former club Levante.

Levante boss Juan Muniz on his side’s start to the season: “The team are very good and playing very well.

“We wanted to give continuity to the team and felt there were enough days of rest between one game and another.

“Losing 4-0 to Betis? They took 10 minutes to go 2-0 up and that was that.

“They won the match, they dominated that part of the game and went ahead. It’s deadly to have a two-goal cushion in football.

“Still, the team have taken half of the points on offer and you have to give them credit for what they’re doing.”

Alaves boss De Biasi on what he demands from his new team: “You have to give everything, but if you lack strength in the last 20 minutes, raise your hand and I’ll change you.

“The fans need, above all, to see results, but they also need to see a committed team that give everything for their jersey and badge for 90 minutes, from start to finish.”

Levante (probable): Raul; Pedro Lopez, Postigo, Chema, Tono; Campana, Rober; Samu, Bardhi, Morales; Alegria

Injuries/suspensions: Ivan Lopez, Jason, Lerma, Roger (I) Ivi (doubtful)

Alaves (probable): Pacheco; Vigaray, Maripan, Ely, Ruben Duarte; Dani Torres, Manu; Ibai, Medran, Alfonso; Munir

Injuries/suspensions: Bojan, Hector, Laguardia (I)

Referee: Fernandez Borbalan

Form guide: Levante (L W D D D) Alaves (L L L L L)

Previous meeting: Levante 2-3 Alaves

Venue: Ciutat de Valencia

Kick-off time: 17:30 BST/18:30 local time

La Liga - Club News