Levante midfielder Jose Barkero says neither side enters this Sunday's Valencia derby in particularly good form.
Levante go into Sunday's game 12th with seven points, having lost their last two games. Visitors Valencia are 10th with eight points, but have won their last two.
“The derby doesn't come at the best time for either of us, but we don't choose that,” the 33-year-old told AS. “A derby is always even, hopefully, it will go in our favour.
“They are coming from a moral victory in the Champions League. For us it is a complicated week, because we have suffered two decisive defeats.
“The atmosphere will be nice. If [Valencia midfielder] Fernando Gago is playing it will be more physical, but derbies are physical already.”
The former Numancia man looked back at last year's derbies when the Granotes, enjoying the greatest season in their history, seemed poise to best their city rivals, could only take one point from the six available.
“Perhaps it is true that we played too eagerly, because they made us favourites and that weighed on us on the field. The only good match was the 1-1 draw at Mestalla. Hopefully this time they won't make us favourites and we'll take the three points!”
