Levante vs Espanyol preview - Navarro out for Levante

Levante will bid to grab their first Primera Division win of the season against Espanyol after making a successful start to life in Europe.

Juan Ignacio Martinez's men ensured they would extend their continental debut by qualifying for the group stage of the Europa League with a 1-0 home success over Motherwell on Thursday night.

Summer signing Theofanis Gekas scored the only goal to wrap up a 3-0 aggregate win to celebrate when they return to the Cuitat de Valencia on Sunday.

"It was very special day for Levante we had to be accountable and work hard against an opponent who had a good approach," Martinez said.

"This shows that last season's league success was worthwhile - we have also accomplished something important economically for the club."

Levante's sixth-placed finish last season was built on the back of a stunning start that saw them beat Real Madrid en route to leading the league in October.

They are, however, winless after two games since the start the new season and will be without defender David Navarro for the visit of pointless Espanyol after he was sent-off in the 2-0 defeat to Valladolid on Monday night.

Nikos Karabelas and Pedro Rios are still sidelined through injury, but Juanfran could make his first league appearance. Defender Massimo Volta could come in after he was signed from Sampdoria on Friday.

Espanyol lost their opening two games 2-1 to Mallorca and Real Zaragoza and could make a number of changes.

New signings Simao, Cristian Stuani and Samuele Longo could all be handed debuts after manager Mauricio Pochettino was finally able to add depth to his squad.

He told the club's website: "I feel satisfied. The squad will be defined starting from Friday, but it is clear that we are happy with the arrivals because we have players with different characteristics."