Espanyol and Levante clash as a new season of La Liga begins. The hosts are bidding to make a strong start at the RCDE Stadium, after fading badly in the second half of last term.

Fresh faces to feature for Espanyol

Manolo González could hand competitive debuts to a number of summer additions. Unai Nuñez and Álex Calatrava are both in line for starting roles after moving to the Catalan club. Youngsters Javi Hernández and Roger Hinojo are also ready to play after returning from loan spells.

Roberto Fernández will probably be the preferred choice up top. The 24-year-old was involved in all 38 league fixtures in the 2025/26 campaign, but only managed to net seven times.

The home team’s attacking options are weakened by two long-term injuries. Javi Puado and Kike García are unlikely to feature before November, but there are no other selection issues for Manolo.

Espanyol predicted lineup vs Levante (4-2-3-1): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Nuñez, Cabrera, Hinojo; Urko, Expósito; Dolan, Calatrava, Hernández; R. Fernández.

Levante hoping Etta Eyong can rediscover his best form

Another relegation battle looks likely for Levante, after they narrowly escaped the drop in May. Over the course of the season, they’ll be competing with the newly-promoted teams, including Racing Santander, who face Villarreal on Sunday.

After selling striker Carlos Espí to Real Madrid, the Valencia-based club will be hoping Karl Etta Eyong can get back to his best. The Cameroon international started brightly last term, but finished with only six goals in 30 appearances for the Granotes.

There are no major injury concerns for the visitors heading into matchday one. However, winger Roger Brugué is suspended for the trip to the RCDE Stadium.

Levante predicted lineup vs Espanyol (4-3-3): Ryan; Pérez, De la Fuente, Mandi, Sánchez; Rey, Olasagasti, Bardeli; Romero, Etta Eyong, Álvarez.

Espanyol vs Levante Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Espanyol to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.291 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Espanyol 1-0 Levante
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 36DHK

Key stats:

  • Espanyol avoided defeat in five of their six pre-season games.
  • The Catalans took seven points from their final three 2025/26 league fixtures.
  • Levante have failed to win any of the previous six meetings between the clubs.

With just one victory across their last 11 outings against Espanyol, this is not a fixture that Levante tend to enjoy. They only won one of their final nine away games last season. Given that, backing the hosts to win or draw is the smart choice with a 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€.

Manolo González’s side won their first three home matches last term, and they can still count on all their key players from the 2025/26 campaign, with the exception of former loanee Carlos Romero.

Espanyol vs Levante Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Levante to score under 0.5 goals
  • Odds: 2.39 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: SYDHK

Espí’s 11-goal return in the second half of last season was the main reason Levante survived. They will find it almost impossible to replace that threat.

Luís Castro’s team played out a goalless draw on this ground as recently as April, and they’d settle for a repeat outcome on Sunday. Backing the visitors to score under 0.5 goals offers value at odds of 2.39.

Verdict: Espanyol to win or draw (1.291) — Espanyol 1-0 Levante