Levante vs Athletic: likely lineups as the press predicts

The Ciutat de València will finally host the clash that had to be suspended last September 16 due to heavy rain. Both coaches arrive with doubts over their lineups, with injuries, recoveries and possible rotations all in play.

Levante probable XI

Levante U. D.

Luís Castro could make several changes from the side that drew against Deportivo. According to AS, Petar Ratkov has the chance to make his debut as a starter, after leaving a good impression in his recent appearances.

The sports daily also considers the introduction of Aissa Mandi in defence, while Víctor García and Roger Brugué would take the wide positions, with Iván Romero in a more withdrawn role.

Probable XI according to AS: Ryan; Toljan, Dela, Mandi, Manu Sánchez; Oriol Rey, Olasagasti; Víctor García, Iván Romero, Brugué; Ratkov.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo is betting on Ndukwe in the defensive axis and Dani Requena in midfield, as well as placing Iván Romero as the attacking reference.

Probable XI according to Mundo Deportivo: Ryan; Toljan, Dela, Ndukwe, Manu Sánchez; Olasagasti, Oriol Rey, Requena; Musuayi, Iván Romero and Brugué.

Other outlets, such as BeSoccer and VAVEL, consider alternatives with Nacho Pérez, Bardeli and Thiago Fernández among the starters.

The main news in the Granota treatment room is Etta Eyong, who is already training at 100% and could return to the squad. Hugo Sotelo, on the other hand, is still not ready to compete.

Athletic Club probable XI

Athletic Club

Edin Terzic is also preparing changes, especially in an attack affected by the serious injury to Gorka Guruzeta, who will miss the rest of the season.

According to AS, Iñaki Williams could stay as the centre-forward, although Maroan Sannadi is an important alternative. In midfield, Gerenabarrena, Jauregizar and Ruiz de Galarreta appear as candidates to fill the two spots in the double pivot.

Probable XI according to AS: Unai Simón; Areso, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri; Jauregizar, Gerenabarrena; Robert Navarro, Peio Canales, Berenguer; Iñaki Williams.

Mundo Deportivo also considers possible changes at the back, with Johaneko and Paredes fighting for a place, and keeps the choice between Iñaki Williams and Sannadi open to lead the attack.

The Bilbao press also highlights the importance of the absence of Oihan Sancet, who continues recovering from a muscle injury. Peio Canales looks set to take his position.

As for Nico Williams, the winger has already returned to work with the group in part, but a start still seems unlikely. His inclusion in the squad remains pending confirmation.

The main doubts for the match

The biggest question marks are concentrated in the front lines of both teams. Ratkov and Iván Romero are competing for Levante's attacking spotlight, while Iñaki Williams and Sannadi are Athletic's main options to replace Guruzeta.

Attention will also be needed on possible rotations by Luís Castro in defence and midfield, as well as on the return of Etta Eyong, who could get his first minutes after overcoming his physical problems.

The final lineups will be known about an hour before kick-off.

Check out our Levante - Athletic Club preview

At Comuniate, we have also analysed this match with the likely lineups, the absences from both teams and our tips for Comunio, Biwenger and other Fantasy games.

👉 Check out the full Levante - Athletic Club preview on Comuniate.