We don't have confirmed lineups or formations from the brief, so we're working off the expected picture. Espanyol, as a La Liga side, will likely set up in a solid 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, looking to control the midfield and use the width of the RCDE Stadium pitch. They'll press high, force Levante into mistakes, and look to knife through the lines with quick passing. Levante, as the away side and the lower-division team, will probably sit in a low block, maybe a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1, trying to stay compact and hit on the counter. That's the classic trap game for Espanyol — a team that parks the bus and dares you to break them down.

The midfield battle will be key. Espanyol's double pivot should dominate possession, but Levante will look to make it a dogfight, scrapping for second balls and turning the game into a physical contest. If Espanyol get frustrated, Levante could nick something on the break. But if Espanyol keep their heads, move the ball quickly, and exploit the half-spaces, they'll create chances. Set pieces could be a factor too — Espanyol's height and physicality in the box should give them an edge against a Levante side that might struggle to cope with deliveries into the area.