Levante vs Villarreal preview - Villarreal target bragging rights

Posted Saturday, November 23, 2013 by PA

Villarreal midfielder Hernan Perez has promised his side will not take their foot off the gas when they make the short trip to face local rivals Levante on Sunday.

Marcelino's side are still clinging to fourth place in the Primera Division, just one point above Athletic Bilbao, and Perez stressed the importance of maintaining the positive form they showed before the international break.

"We can't drop off, we are on a very good run and we have to keep going with all guns blazing," the Paraguayan told a press conference.

"I think we can maintain our form and hold on to fourth spot, we've got players coming back and we are raring to go."

Top scorer Giovani dos Santos, who missed the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid a fortnight ago, is one of the players Perez mentioned whose return to the side will be more than welcomed, although it is offset by the absence of suspended left-back Jaume Costa and injured centre-half Chechu Dorado.

Levante, meanwhile, have to make do without defender Hector Rodas, who faces at least a month out with a dislocated shoulder, and Pedro Lopez, who is suspended.

On the plus side for coach Joaquin Caparros, midfielder Pape Diop has recovered from a muscle strain he picked up on international duty with Senegal.

Although they were unable to take all three points against Atletico, Villarreal would have been encouraged by the fact they outperformed Diego Simeone's side, who are second in the table and flying high in the Champions League.

Levante may not have reached the same heights as Atletico, but Perez knows Caparros' side, who have only lost twice at home this season, will not let Villarreal get comfortable at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium.

"They are a difficult team to play, they are strong when defending deep and they won't make it easy for us at all," he said.

"We're going to have to work very hard because of the way they will set up.

"We have to stick to our game, play at our own pace and take advantage of any chances we get. The key to winning this game is to put in our best possible performance and go looking for the victory."