Sevilla – Levante analysis

Who is starting the new year in the best possible way?

Sevilla host Levante in the first round of the season after the New Year. Two teams in completely different situations. Sevilla have had an uneven autumn, but are safely in the middle of the table and have clear ambitions to climb. Levante, on the other hand, are at the bottom and are struggling to keep up. This is a match Sevilla are expected to win, especially at home at Sánchez-Pizjuán, where they are usually much more stable than away from home.

Sevilla – Strong at home

Sevilla go into this match with a clear need for three points. Their results before the Christmas break were mixed, but their home ground gives them a completely different starting point. They are at their best when they can control the tempo, play in half the pitch and push their opponents back. Although the team lacks some attacking pieces, Sevilla still have enough quality in the team to control matches like this.

Their style of play is a lot about patience. Sevilla don't need speed to be dangerous, but they are good at moving their opponents sideways and waiting for openings. Against weaker teams at home, they have often found a way to win, even when the game doesn't flow perfectly. It's not always pretty, but it's effective.

Defensively, Sevilla are solid enough to withstand a Levante team that struggles to create chances. As long as they avoid unnecessary mistakes, they should be in good control of the game. This is a game Sevilla know they have to win, and they have often delivered just such games in previous seasons.

Levante – Weak away

Levante come to Seville in a difficult situation. They are last in the table and have struggled with both results and self-confidence throughout the autumn. Especially offensively, they have been thin, and on the away field they have had great problems keeping the games even.

The style of play is defensive, often with low blocks and many players behind the ball. The goal is to survive as long as possible and hope for set pieces or individual counterattacks. The problem is that Levante rarely manages to threaten good teams over time. Once they fall behind, they lack the tools to turn games around.

Against Sevilla away, the task is extra demanding. Levante will likely focus on making the game messy, slowing down the tempo and taking the game as far as possible without conceding a goal. But the quality and breadth of Sevilla's play makes it difficult to imagine Levante holding out for 90 minutes.

Conclusion – Control becomes key

This is a match where the difference between the teams should be clear. Sevilla has home field advantage, better structure and far greater confidence in their game. Levante comes with low self-confidence and a limited offensive expression, and must first and foremost defend.

Everything is in place for Sevilla to take control, create the most chances and ultimately get the result. It doesn't have to be a goal celebration, but it should be three points.

Everything points to one thing.

La Liga at 14:00: Sevilla – Levante: Home win (1.84)