VILLARREAL v LEVANTE
Football : Spain : Primera
Saturday 5th January 2011

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Villarreal secured their third league win in a row with a slim win at Fortress El Prat last weekend, and they should have no problems easing past Levante back at El Madrigal this Saturday.

That win at El Prat was something of a surprise, as Espanyol are very strong at home whilst the Yellow Submarine do not travel well. Their last away outing was a 3 goal reverse in the Copa at struggling Sevilla.

But with Guiseppe Rossi in hot scoring form and others contributing to the score sheet as and when required, Villarreal have not missed the predatory instincts of striker Nilmar as much as we might have expected, and in the league they look increasingly deserving of taking the best of the rest third spot and qualifying for Champions League football.

The yellow submarine should simply have too much firepower for newly promoted Levante, who secured their first points in 6 attempts last weekend with a surprise win over Getafe.

They do have the ability to pull off a shock, but as a general rule wins have been far too infrequent for Levante, who are looking increasingly vulnerable in the relegation zone. They certainly have a goal in them, having scored at venues like Camp Nou and Sanchez Piquain, but at the other end they arent up to threats of the quality of Rossi and co.

Away form is particularly poor, with 1 win and 2 draws to show from 11 games. And El Madrigal is one of the toughest venues in Spain these days. Levante havent won here in their last 6 attempts, and theres no reason whatsoever to believe they redress that record this weekend.

Theres no value in the home side at 1.3 however. Guiseppe Rossi looks a decent bet to score anytime at 1.8, whilst Villarreal to overcome a 1.5 goal advantage is the other option at 1.82.

Given Rossi is scoring at a rate of 10 in 21 games, whilst Villarreal have beaten this handicap at home in 7 of 11 home games, the latter option looks better value.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Villarreal 3 Levante 1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Guiseppe Rossi to score anytime at 1.8 - ALTERNATIVE BET

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Villarreal -1.5 goals at 1.82 (ladbrokes) - MAIN BET