Real Madrid vs Levante
LaLiga 2019-20
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Date: Saturday, 14th September, 2019
Kick-off time: 12pm BST
Real Madrid are already playing catch-up in the Spanish title race as they host Levante in Saturday's early kick-off.
Zinedine Zidane's side have picked up five points from their opening three games, with frustrating draws against Valladolid and Villarreal hampering their early plans.
Atletico Madrid currently lead the way with three wins from three, and with Barcelona also struggling, Real need a win at the Bernabeu to kickstart their campaign before Diego Simeone's side can build a proper lead.
Real Madrid team news
Real's injury troubles continue with Luka Modric ruled out for two to three weeks, meaning 21-year-old Fede Valverde could start in midfield.
Madrid have suffered a spate of injuries since July and midfield is an area of concern, with Marco Asensio out with a long-term problem, Isco and James Rodriguez hurt before the international break and Brahim Diaz also out for a number of weeks, although the last two are now back in contention ahead of the weekend.
Gareth Bale is also out following his red card at Villarreal.
Real predicted lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Valverde, Kroos; Lucas, Hazard, Benzema
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Levante
Real need a victory to actually climb above Levante, with Paco Lopez's side sitting on six points from three games.
Zidane's men should have enough about them despite a number of injuries, but the Bernabeu is no longer the fortress it once was, and Levante could come up trumps if they exploit Real's midfield.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Real to win: 2/9
- Draw: 11/2
- Levante to win: 10/1
Tickets
Click here for more ticket information from Real Madrid's website.
TV channel and live stream information
The match will be shown on Premier 1. The channel is available to Premier Sports subscribers via channel 412 on Sky, and 551 on Virgin TV.
Premier Sports customers can also stream the match online via the Premier Player.
You can follow all the action and analysis on Standard Sport's LIVE blog with Ben Hayward.
