Levante vs Villarreal preview - Martinez wary of Villarreal threat

Posted Sunday, March 18, 2012 by PA

Levante manager Juan Ignacio Martinez has warned his team not to underestimate the out-of-sorts Villarreal.

Villarreal have taken only one point from the last 12 on offer and sit just three points above the relegation zone, whilst Levante are just two points off a Champions League place.

However, Martinez told a press conference: "The rival worries me, we know that they are in a delicate moment but they still have a lot of potential. Their recent results haven't been good, but we have to be alert so that there are no surprises."

Martinez can welcome back Vicente Iborra from suspension and he is likely to go straight into the side as Jose Barkero is doubtful with a knee injury sustained in last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Malaga.

Juanfran is eligible after suspension but he is suffering from a side strain so Asier del Horno will continue at left-back.

Villarreal boss Jose Molina unsurprisingly stressed the need for his side to arrest their recent slide, but believes they have only lost out on minor details in the past few weeks.

"It is a very important match, they all are at this stage of the season because all the teams are playing for important objectives in what remains of the league. Logically it will be difficult because Levante have shown that in reality they are a good team.

"We need victories to change the bad dynamic we have been carrying in the last few games.

"Even though we haven't won in the last few games, I am satisfied with the performance shown by the players. We played with a lot of intensity and desire although we lacked a little definition in the determining moments to win the points.

"The games against Athletic, Getafe and Zaragoza were decided on isolated moments, but we were superior to the opponent."

Molina could have to do without two key players for the trip to Valencia however as Borja Valero and Cani are doubtful with hamstring injuries.