Levante welcome Sevilla to the Estadi Ciutat de València on Monday evening, with both teams looking to collect important points in La Liga. The hosts have struggled defensively during the opening weeks of the season, while Sevilla have shown encouraging attacking form without always looking convincing at the back. With both sides capable of creating chances and neither defence looking particularly reliable, this could be a match where goals play an important role.

Levante have struggled to keep opponents out

Levante have endured a difficult start to the campaign, collecting just one victory from their opening six league matches. Their biggest problem has been at the back, where they have already conceded 12 goals. That works out at an average of two goals per match, putting considerable pressure on their attacking players to deliver results.

Despite their disappointing position in the table, Levante have shown that they can create opportunities. Eight goals in six matches is a respectable attacking return for a team struggling near the bottom, and it suggests that scoring goals has not been their biggest problem. Instead, their inability to protect leads and prevent opponents from creating chances has made it difficult to turn competitive performances into victories.

Playing at home should encourage Levante to approach this fixture with greater ambition. They cannot afford to spend the entire match defending, particularly against a Sevilla side that has looked dangerous going forward. However, committing players to attack could also expose the defensive weaknesses that have troubled them throughout the opening weeks.

Sevilla have made a promising start

Sevilla have enjoyed a considerably better beginning to the season, recording four victories from their opening seven league matches. They have scored ten goals during that period, showing enough attacking quality to cause problems for opponents who leave space in dangerous areas.

Their away performances have been particularly encouraging. Sevilla have remained unbeaten in their opening three league matches on the road, collecting two victories and one draw. That record should give them confidence heading into a fixture against a Levante side that has struggled to find consistency.

However, Sevilla have not been flawless defensively. Nine goals conceded in seven matches suggest that opponents have been able to create opportunities against them, even when Sevilla have controlled large parts of games. That could be important against a Levante team that has scored more regularly than its league position might suggest.

The visitors should have enough quality to create chances of their own, but keeping Levante quiet for the entire match may prove difficult. Sevilla will want to take control early, although their defensive record suggests they cannot afford to become careless when pushing forward.

Both teams have reasons to attack

One of the most interesting aspects of this fixture is the difference between the teams’ attacking and defensive records. Levante have scored eight goals and conceded 12, while Sevilla have scored ten and conceded nine. Neither side has consistently combined attacking productivity with defensive stability.

Levante’s situation in the league also gives them a reason to approach the match positively. They need points to move away from the bottom of the table, and another cautious performance without a result would do little to improve their position. Home supporters will expect their team to show more attacking intent, especially against opponents who have also been vulnerable defensively.

Sevilla, meanwhile, have enough attacking quality to take advantage if Levante leave spaces between their defensive lines. The visitors have shown that they can score away from home, and Levante’s record suggests that Sevilla should create opportunities during the match.

An early goal could make this an especially interesting contest. If Sevilla take the lead, Levante will need to push forward and leave more space behind their defence. If Levante score first, Sevilla have the attacking ability to respond rather than simply accepting a narrow defeat.

The goal line offers an interesting option

Backing a particular winner is not straightforward. Sevilla have enjoyed the better start and possess the stronger away record, but Levante’s attacking numbers suggest they are capable of making this a competitive fixture.

The goals market therefore looks appealing. Levante have conceded an average of two goals per match, while Sevilla have been involved in games featuring goals at both ends. Those defensive records create a reasonable argument for expecting chances rather than a completely closed contest.

Over 2 goals is an interesting selection because it does not require either team to win. Three or more goals would be enough for the bet to succeed, while exactly two goals would return the stake. That offers some protection in a match that could finish with a scoreline such as 1–1 or 2–0.

The main concern is that Sevilla could take an early lead and focus on controlling possession, particularly if Levante struggle to create clear chances. Nevertheless, the defensive weaknesses on both sides suggest there should be opportunities for the match to produce goals.

Verdict

Sevilla arrive with the stronger results and an encouraging unbeaten away record, but their defensive performances have not always matched their attacking quality. Levante have struggled to collect points, although eight goals in six matches show that they can still threaten opponents.

With Levante conceding regularly and Sevilla capable of exploiting defensive mistakes, there is a good argument for expecting at least a couple of goals. The hosts also have enough attacking potential to contribute, making the outcome less dependent on one team’s performance.

Over 2 goals looks like a sensible approach to this fixture. Three goals would deliver a winning selection, while exactly two would return the stake.

Tip

Over 2 goals