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European Football
Preview - 01 Sep 2007
Goal-shy Levante to suffer in
Pamplona
The pick of the midweek La Liga value comes from Northern Spain,
where Osasuna and Levante will each be hoping to notch their first
victory of the season. While Osasuna coach Jose Ziganda is
relatively content with his side's start to the season, his opposite
number Abel Resino knows his rock-bottom side need to turn things
around, and fast.
Levante went down again at the weekend when hosting Atheltic
Bilbao, but did at least muster their first goal of the season in
doing so. Unfortuately, talented midfielders Mustapha Riga and Savio
are set to be rested, which leaves Resino with an even more shot-shy
squad to pick from than usual.
Osasuna have played a game less than their rivals. Their two
point tally from games against Barcelona, Athletic and Zaragoza is
really no disgrace at all. A ruthless Zaragoza side breached
Ziganda's defence for the first time last sunday, with his side
putting up a strong showing in defeat. After clean sheets against
Barca and Athletic, there's every chance the Pamplona-based outfit
can notch another shut-out here against the early
relegation-favourites. At the other end, it's surely only a matter
of time before strikers of the quality of Portillo and Pandiani open
their accounts for their new club.
Paddy Power look to have under-estimated just how insipid this
Levante side are, and that's without taking into account the
absences of Riga and Savio - two players who shone last season in
mediocre surroundings. Get on Osasuna to take this without reply, at
a very generous price.
Osasuna vs Levante. Wednesday 19:00
Recommendation : 1 pt Osasuna
to win to nil. 13/8 Paddy Power.
Ilunga
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