Granada CF vs Levante preview - Levante defying the odds

Posted Sunday, December 18, 2011 by PA

Granada manager Fabri Gonzalez has lauded Levante as an example to his own team after the Valencia side's great start to the season.

Despite having one of the lowest budgets in the league Levante currently sit in fourth place, five points clear of their closest challengers Sevilla and Malaga.

Fabri told Efe: "Levante are like a perfect machine. Their success is based in their defence, they know how to face the opposition's attacks and then counter-attack.

"They use their resources and compete as they are doing. They are in the Champions League places with over a third of the season played and that says it all. Arouna Kone is 80% of their offensive play with his extraordinary movement but they also have good wing-play to supply him."

Hassan Yebda and Diego Mainz are definitely out injured for the hosts, whilst Inigo Lopez, Carlos Martins and Ikechukwu Uche are doubtful. However Pape Diakhate and Fran Rico returned to training towards the end of the week and will be available for selection.

Levante do not have as many injury problems as Francisco Farinos' return means that Asier Del Horno is the only player unavailable to Juan Ignacio Martinez and midfielder Jose Barkero is hoping for the perfect end to 2011 with another three points on the road.

"We would have a spectacular Christmas if we win again on Sunday," he told the club's website.

"On the other hand if we go out with a defeat it would leave a bitter taste. We must take advantage of this unique opportunity to arrive as high as we can in the table.

"Firstly we want to secure our place in the league and after that we will wait and see. The dressing room has a tremendous excitement to see what we can do, but we will keep our feet on the ground."

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