Friday 16/05/2014, 21:00, Spain Primera Division, Round 38 Malaga vs Levante
Malaga vs Levante Betting Preview
Levante struggled in March and April, winning a single match in nine games, but they've been simply brilliant this month. Two consecutive wins by the same emphatic 2-0 score over Atletico Madrid and Valencia brought them back into the first half of the standings, where they are guaranteed to finish. Malaga only exceeded expectations in the last round, by striking another devastating blow to the leaders, as a result of drawing 1-1 on the road.
Malaga vs Levante Betting Odds
Malaga 2.00, Draw 3.60, Levante 4.00
Malaga vs Levante Betting Tips
Both teams were underestimated in May and proved critics wrong by defending against top opponents, yet Malaga will have a hard time replicating that performance tonight. On one hand, they miss no less than six players, on the other they are expected to play offensive football rather than defend for 90 min.
The four players missing due to injuries, will be joined by Angeleri and Duda who are suspended, which means that both the defense and midfield will struggle heavily. Offensively they do much better, which explains why coach Schuster is willing to take a leap of faith with three strikers.
Moroccan forwards Hamdaoui and Amrabat will pair up and will be joined by veteran Santa Cruz, so at least on the paper, Malaga has a decent chance at scoring tonight. Levante has two suspended players of its own and one injured midfielder, but their starting formation will be virtually unchanged.
The same 11 players that won against Atletico Madrid and Valencia will take on a less formidable opponent and they can safely employ the same tactic. Waiting for an opportunity to score on the counterattack and then defend the narrow lead is what Levante intends to do tonight.
Key Facts
- Both teams can settle for a draw and it is unlikely for the hosts to risk further injuries if they fail to take the lead in the first half.
- Malaga has tradition on its side, as in four games played at their stadium against Levante they collected the maximum 12 points and quite often won by more than one goal.
Malaga vs Levante Betting Prediction
The difference between the two teams is negligible and motivation is at its lowest in both squads, but Levante was simply impressive in May. Value is also win the visitors at 1.90 for them to win or draw and Pinnacle Sports is the most generous bookmaker for this outcome. Risk-averse punters should stick to this wager, but those who seek bigger profits could take a leap of faith by backing the visitors to win outright.
Bet: Levante or Draw @ 1.90 with Pinnacle Sports
