Valencia vs Levante preview - Parejo calls for passion

Valencia midfielder Dani Parejo has told his teammates to show "pride and anger" on Monday when they take on city rivals Levante to try to strengthen their grip on fourth place.

Los Che, who have drawn their last two league games, including Thursday's 1-1 draw at Athletic Club, are level on 62 points with Sevilla.

Valencia have a game in hand on Sevilla who drew 2-2 with Barcelona on Saturday.

"We need to move on," Parejo said to the Spanish press of the late equaliser at Athletic that denied Valencia three points. "On Monday we have another final and we have to bring out our pride and anger for giving away two points in Bilbao.

"We need to show intensity and the fact that this is a derby will give it an added attraction."

Valencia will have an added motivation to beat Levante.

The side coached by Portuguese manager Nuno lost 2-1 at the Ciudad de Valencia back in November.

"Considering the chances we created, we deserved to win that game," Parejo said. "We were far superior.

"This game is a different one altogether, we have a lot at stake and I think it's going to be a great game.

"Our only focus right now is on the eight games we have remaining and reaching the Champions League."

Valencia have not lost at the Mestalla stadium since a 1-0 defeat to Barcelona on November 30.

Valencia will not be at full strength with Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi serving a one-match ban while defender Jose Luis Gaya and striker Pablo Piatti are sidelined through injury.

Levante, who are battling to avoid the drop, have won just one and lost three of their last four league games.

Last week's 2-1 home defeat to Sevilla dropped Levante to 15th place, three points clear of the drop zone.

"We know Valencia will be looking for revenge," Levante midfielder Ruben Garcia said. "But this game is just as important for us and we are determined to go there and get a good result."

Levante must overcome the absence of Senegal midfielder Pape Diop, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.