Preview: Sevilla vs. Levante - prediction, team news, lineups

Sevilla have top spot in their sights in La Liga as they prepare for the visit of relegation-threatened Levante at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday afternoon.

Third-place Sevilla are three points off surprise leaders Real Sociedad with a game in hand, while Levante are inside the relegation zone following a poor start to their campaign.

Match preview

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Sevilla recovered from a 1-0 loss at Granada prior to the international break with a 1-0 victory at Celta Vigo on their return to action last week.

Los Nervionenses were not at their best in that game, but Rafa Mir's third goal in seven league games since joining in the summer proved the difference in the end.

That was Sevilla's third win in four La Liga games, keeping them level on points with four others - including Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - and three points behind Sociedad.

Julen Lopetegui's side face a quick turnaround in matches, though, as they were in Europa League action on Thursday when playing out a goalless draw with Lille.

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Levante have had a full week's rest on the back of their most recent contest, which also ended goalless as they were unable to break down Getafe on home soil.

The Granotes are one of two sides without a victory to their name so far this term in the Spanish top flight, while no team has drawn as many matches so far (five).

Turning those draws into victories has to be the target for Javier Pereira, though coming away from Andalusia with a point this weekend would be considered a huge positive.

Levante have won just one of their 15 league meetings with Sevilla - a 3-2 victory in January 2014 - and have failed to score in four of their last five encounters.

Team News

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Sevilla are likely to remain without Youssef En-Nesyri for this contest, meaning Mir will continue to lead the line.

Jules Kounde was left out of the squad for the midweek draw with Lille, but Lopetegui will be hopeful of having the centre-back available for this contest.

Papu Gomez is another contender to return to the side from Sevilla's most recent outing, possibly at the expense of Oliver Torres.

As for Levante, they are without the injured trio of Jose Campana, Roger Marti and Sergio Postigo for this trip to Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, while Mickael Malsa is doubtful.

Roberto Soldado returned from a two-month layoff to lead Levante's attack against Getafe, but Pereira has a big call to make up top on Sunday.

Jose Luis Morales (four) and Jorge de Frutos (two) have scored six of their side's last seven away goals in La Liga, possibly meaning Soldado dropping down to the bench.

Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Navas, Kounde, Carlos, Acuna; Fernando, Jordan; Suso, Gomez, Ocampos; Mir

Levante possible starting lineup:
Fernandez; Miramon, Vezo, Mustafi, Clerc; Frutos, Radoja, Melero, Martinez; Morales, Gomez

We say: Sevilla 2-0 Levante

Levante snapped a three-game losing streak last time out, but they are still without a win this season and have gone four matches without a goal.

Against a Sevilla side boasting five home league wins in a row, keeping a clean sheet in four of those, this contest is surely only going to finish one way.