Expect Espanyol to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Marko Dmitrovic in goal, protected by 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 will sit deep, screening the defence and letting the front four — Tyrhys Dolan, Javi Hernandez, Alex Calatrava and Roberto Fernandez — do the damage. That's a solid, balanced shape. They'll look to control the midfield, knock it around, and find the half-space runners between Levante's lines.

Levante are expected to set up in a 4-3-3, with Ryan in goal, a midfield trio of Rey, Olasagasti and Rekena, and Romero leading the line. It's a formation that can hurt teams on the counter, but it leaves gaps. The full-backs will push on, and that's where Espanyol can exploit them. The wide areas are key — Dolan and Calatrava have the pace to get in behind, and with Levante's midfield likely to be overrun, the supply line should be plentiful.

The midfield dogfight will decide this. Espanyol's double pivot vs Levante's trio. If Espanyol win that battle, they'll dominate possession and create chances. Levante will try to sit deep, soak up pressure, and hit on the break. But that's a dangerous game to play at the RCDE Stadium. One mistake, one lapse in concentration, and Espanyol will punish them.