Previews
MON 13.04.2015
Valencia CF and Levante UD take centre stage in the final fixture of Liga BBVA matchday 31. Both sides are desperate to return to winning ways in the division after drawing with Athletic Club and losing to Sevilla FC respectively, so a no-holds-barred Valencia derby is in store. The hosts need to win to ensure fourth place for another matchday to come, while a victory for los granotas would see them move away from their direct rivals in the fight for survival.
Team news
The suspended Nicolás Otamendi is joined by injury victims José Gayá, Pablo Piatti and Enzo Pérez in missing out for los ché as they welcome their near neighbours. Meanwhile, Levante go to Mestalla without Víctor Camarasa and Juanfran García, who are absent from Lucas Alcaraz's squad list for varying motives.
Views from the dugout
Looking ahead to facing Levante, home boss Nuno Espírito Santo discussed his side's aspirations: "We're two teams from the same city and it’s a derby. At this time I don't think we’re as focused on the rivalry as we are on trying to win three points at Mestalla that are hugely necessary." Alcaraz spoke about his players’ motivation going into a match-up such as this. "Valencia are a difficult team and that makes the challenge all the more attractive," he said. "It has to motivate us, excite us and push us."
© LALIGA - 2015