Levante vs Elche Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Friday, 23 January

Levante will host Elche at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Friday, 23 January, in what promises to be an intriguing LaLiga clash. This match is significant for both teams as they look to climb the league table and secure valuable points. Levante, playing at home, will aim to use their familiarity with the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia to their advantage against Elche.

Elche, meanwhile, will be determined to upset Levante’s plans and secure an away victory. Both sides have shown flashes of quality this season, making this encounter a fascinating prospect for fans and bettors alike. The outcome could have implications for their respective positions in LaLiga, adding extra excitement to this Friday night fixture.

Levante vs Elche Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Levante to Win	2.43

Given the current form and statistics, our recommended betting tip is to back Levante to win. Levante’s urgent need for points to avoid relegation, combined with Elche’s poor away record, makes this a compelling selection.

• Elche have not won any of their away matches this season, underlining their struggles on the road.
• Levante’s desperation for points to escape the relegation zone is likely to boost their intensity and performance.
• Elche concede an average of 1.4 goals per game, which could benefit Levante, especially with their top scorer, Etta Eyong, in good form.

Betting Odds

Levante enter this home fixture as slight favourites against Elche, with the odds reflecting a closely contested match. Levante are priced at 2.43, while Elche are not far behind at 2.93, indicating the bookmakers expect a competitive encounter.

Betting Tip	Odds
Levante to win	2.43
Draw	3.25
Elche to win	2.93

A draw is available at 3.25, which may appeal to those predicting a tight contest. With both teams eager to prove themselves, punters might also find value in the over 2.5 goals market, given the attacking potential on display.

Levante Analysis & Past Performance

Levante’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five matches producing one win, two draws, and two defeats. They managed an impressive 3-0 away victory over Sevilla, demonstrating their potential on the road, but have struggled to maintain this level of performance.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Real Madrid	Levante	2 – 0 (Loss)	LaLiga	17 Jan 2026
Levante	Espanyol	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	11 Jan 2026
Sevilla	Levante	0 – 3 (Win)	LaLiga	4 Jan 2026
Levante	Real Sociedad	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	20 Dec 2025
Cultural Leonesa	Levante	1 – 0 (Loss)	Copa del Rey	17 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Levante have averaged 1.00 goals per game in their last five fixtures while conceding 1.20 on average. Their defensive resilience has been tested, with only one clean sheet, and they remain winless at home this season. Improving their home form is crucial as they prepare to face Elche.

Levante’s leading scorer, Etta Eyong, has been a bright spot, contributing 29% of the team’s goals. Despite this, Levante sit 19th in the table with 14 points, reflecting their difficulties in turning draws into wins. Boosting their attacking output while tightening up defensively will be vital to changing their fortunes.

• LDWDL

Levante Suspensions & Injuries

Levante are dealing with several injuries to key players. Unai Elgezabal is sidelined with a meniscus injury until mid-February, which could impact their defensive depth. Roger Brugué’s ligament injury, expected to keep him out until early April, also limits attacking options for Luis Castro. Diego Pampín’s leg injury adds to the defensive concerns, with his return anticipated in early February.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Unai Elgezabal	Meniscus injury	Mid February 2026
Roger Brugué	Ligament injury	Early April 2026
Victor Garcia	Fitness issue	Doubtful
Matias Moreno	Fitness issue	Doubtful
Diego Pampin	Leg injury	Early February 2026

In midfield, Víctor García and Matías Moreno are both doubtful due to fitness concerns. This could restrict Levante’s options in central areas, potentially forcing coach Luis Castro to rely more on starters like Unai Vencedor and Pablo Martínez to maintain stability.

The absence of these players may necessitate tactical adjustments, particularly in defence and attacking transitions. While the current starting lineup remains strong, squad depth could be tested, especially in sustaining intensity throughout the match. These injuries may influence betting markets, as Levante’s depth could be a decisive factor against Elche.

Levante Key Players

Levante’s attacking threat will rely heavily on their top scorer, Etta Eyong, who has scored six goals this season. As the focal point of Levante’s attack, Eyong’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to Elche’s defence. His movement and agility in the penalty area could prove decisive.

In midfield, Pablo Martínez and Carlos Álvarez are crucial to Levante’s creativity and ball distribution. Martínez’s vision and Álvarez’s tenacity provide a blend of creativity and defensive cover, allowing Levante to control possession and dictate the game’s tempo. At the back, Adrián De La Fuente and Alan Matturro anchor the defence, with De La Fuente’s leadership and Matturro’s tackling ability essential for repelling Elche’s attacks.

Expected lineup for Levante:

• Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
• Defence: Jeremy Toljan, Adrian De La Fuente, Alan Matturro, Manuel Sanchez
• Midfield: Unai Vencedor, Pablo Martinez, Carlos Alvarez, Paco Cortes, Kareem Tunde
• Forward: Etta Eyong

The tactical impact of these key players is significant, with Eyong’s goal-scoring form likely to shape Levante’s attacking approach. The midfield pairing of Martínez and Álvarez are expected to control the rhythm, while the defensive duo of De La Fuente and Matturro must remain solid to ensure a strong defensive showing. Their strengths will be crucial in Levante’s game plan and could be the difference in securing a positive result.

Levante Tactics and Formation

Levante Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Etta Eyong
• Midfield Pivot: Unai Vencedor and Pablo Martínez
• Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and counter-attacks.

Levante’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide stability through a balanced midfield while supporting quick transitions into attack. Unai Vencedor and Pablo Martínez are pivotal in this setup, breaking up opposition play and facilitating fast transitions. This structure allows Carlos Álvarez to act as the creative hub, linking defence and attack.

Defensively, the back four, led by Adrián De La Fuente and Alan Matturro, have struggled to keep clean sheets. Full-backs Jeremy Toljan and Manuel Sánchez are expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, though their forward runs can sometimes leave gaps for opponents to exploit.

In attack, Levante rely on the pace and finishing of Etta Eyong. Their strategy often revolves around rapid counter-attacks, utilising the speed of wingers Kareem Tunde and Paco Cortes. However, converting chances has been a challenge, as seen in recent matches against stronger opposition.

Elche Analysis & Past Performance

Elche’s recent form has also been inconsistent, with just one victory in their last five matches across all competitions. This run includes a 2-2 draw with Sevilla and a 1-1 draw with Valencia, alongside defeats to Real Betis and Villarreal. Their only win came in a commanding 4-0 performance against Rayo Vallecano, showing their potential when at their best.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Elche	Sevilla	2 – 2 (Draw)	LaLiga	19 Jan, 2026
Real Betis	Elche	2 – 1 (Loss)	Copa del Rey	14 Jan, 2026
Valencia	Elche	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	10 Jan, 2026
Elche	Villarreal	1 – 3 (Loss)	LaLiga	3 Jan, 2026
Elche	Rayo Vallecano	4 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	21 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:
Elche have averaged 1.80 goals scored per game in their last five appearances, while conceding 1.80 per match, highlighting a need for defensive improvement. They have managed to score in every recent match, demonstrating attacking capabilities, but have kept only one clean sheet. Away from home, they have struggled, with a win ratio of just 0.40 and only one draw from five matches, underlining their vulnerability on the road.

Team Dynamics:

• DLDLW

Rafa Mir remains a key figure in attack, contributing six goals this season. Elche’s ability to score consistently is reflected in their 80% both teams to score ratio in recent games, but defensive weaknesses are clear, with goals conceded in four of their last five matches. As they prepare to face Levante, tightening up at the back will be crucial to their chances.

Elche Suspensions & Injuries

Elche will be without Víctor Chust, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence could disrupt their defensive line, as he is a regular starter. David Affengruber is expected to step in, maintaining defensive stability alongside Leo Petrot and Germán Valera. This change may require more cautious play from the wing-backs.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Victor Chust	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Elche are missing several important players, including Héctor Fort, Rafa Mir, and John Donald Chetauya, all of whom are expected back in early February. Pedro Bigas’s return date is unknown due to ligament damage. These absences, particularly in defence and midfield, may force coach Eder Sarabia to rely on his bench, testing the squad’s depth and cohesion.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Hector Fort	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
Rafael Mir	Muscle strain	Early February 2026
John Donald Chetauya	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Pedro Bigas	Ligament damage	Unknown

The combination of suspensions and injuries could impact Elche’s ability to maintain their usual level, affecting both defensive resilience and attacking options. Bettors may want to consider these factors when assessing Elche’s chances against Levante, potentially shifting the odds in favour of the home side.

Elche Key Players

Elche’s attacking threat will be led by Grady Diangana, who is expected to spearhead the forward line. Diangana’s agility and creativity make him a vital part of Elche’s offensive approach. Alongside him, Álvaro Rodríguez offers a physical presence and goal-scoring ability that could trouble Levante’s defence. The midfield trio of Martim Neto, Marc Aguado, and Aleix Febas are essential for controlling the tempo, with Febas particularly influential in transitioning play from defence to attack.

Defensively, players such as Leo Petrot and Germán Valera will be crucial in keeping the backline organised. Petrot’s aerial strength and Valera’s tactical awareness are key assets for Elche as they look to contain Levante’s attacking threats. The performance of this defensive unit could be decisive in shaping the match.

Expected lineup for Elche:

• Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
• Defence: Josan, Victor Chust, David Affengruber, Leo Petrot, German Valera
• Midfield: Martim Neto, Marc Aguado, Aleix Febas
• Forward: Grady Diangana, Alvaro Rodriguez

Elche Tactics and Formation

Elche Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Alvaro Rodriguez
• Midfield Engine: Martim Neto
• Defensive Setup: Five-man defence led by David Affengruber
• Notable Strategy: Focus on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play.

Elche’s 5-3-2 formation underlines their commitment to defensive solidity, providing a strong platform at the back with five defenders. David Affengruber is pivotal in central defence, ensuring organisation and stability. The wing-backs, Josan and Germán Valera, are tasked with providing width and supporting transitions from defence to attack.

In midfield, Martim Neto plays a crucial role in linking defence and attack, while Marc Aguado and Aleix Febas offer additional support in both areas. This trio is vital for maintaining possession and breaking up opposition attacks, as seen in their recent 2-2 draw with Sevilla.

Offensively, Elche rely on the partnership of Grady Diangana and Álvaro Rodríguez. Their counter-attacking ability is key, especially in away matches where they look to exploit spaces left by the opposition. Despite their defensive focus, Elche’s recent form suggests they are vulnerable, as shown by their struggle to keep clean sheets.

Levante vs Elche Head-to-Head Record

Levante and Elche have met 33 times, with Levante leading the head-to-head with 15 wins to Elche’s 4, while 14 matches have ended in draws. Their most recent encounter saw Elche secure a 2-0 home victory in LaLiga earlier this season.

The last time Levante hosted Elche was in November 2024, resulting in a 1-1 draw in LaLiga2. Historically, Levante have been strong at home against Elche, winning more than half of their home fixtures. This upcoming match at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia could see Levante looking to extend their dominance.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Elche	Levante	2 – 0	La Liga	2025-08-29
Elche	Levante	1 – 3	La Liga 2	2025-05-10
Levante	Elche	1 – 1	La Liga 2	2024-11-16
Levante	Elche	3 – 2	La Liga 2	2024-03-24
Elche	Levante	0 – 0	La Liga 2	2023-09-30