Espanyol are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Marko Dmitrovic in goal behind a back four of Omar El Hilali, Clemens Riedel, Unai Nunez and Roger Hinojo. The double pivot of Urko Gonzalez de Zarate and Edu Exposito gives them a solid base, while Tyrhys Dolan and Alex Calatrava provide the width and the spark. Roberto Fernandez leads the line, and Javi Hernandez pulls the strings in that number ten role. That is a side built to control the midfield and feed the wide runners — exactly the setup you want against a deep-lying opponent.

Levante are predicted to go 4-3-3, with Ryan in goal and a midfield trio of Rey, Olasagasti and Rekena. Romero leads the attack. That shape gives them numbers in the middle, but it also leaves them vulnerable out wide — and that is where Espanyol can hurt them. The home side’s full-backs, El Hilali and Hinojo, will push high, and with Dolan and Calatrava cutting inside, Levante’s wide men will be dragged into a defensive shift they are not used to. Expect Espanyol to dominate possession, force Levante into a low block, and then work the ball into the half-spaces. The visitors will try to hit on the counter, but their away record is poor, and this Espanyol side is well-drilled enough to avoid the trap.