Preview: Levante vs. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid can clinch their place in next season's Champions League when they make the trip to Levante on Sunday.

It is also a vital weekend for Levante, who can ensure that they will be playing La Liga football for at least another year by causing a shock against the men from the capital.

Levante

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As the clubs in Spain prepare for the final three games of the season, Levante must surely wish they were heading into the matches with no pressure on their shoulders.

However, the campaign is far from over for Lucas Alcaraz's side, who are still not safe from the threat of relegation from La Liga in the latter stages of a poor season.

Levante currently sit just five points ahead of 18th-placed Deportivo La Coruna, but their top-flight status will be all but secure if they avoid defeat against Atletico.

After victories over Getafe and Cordoba earned them breathing space from the bottom three clubs, last weekend's 3-0 loss to Real Sociedad halted their momentum and prevented the supporters from relaxing.

Games against Deportivo and Elche follow Sunday's tricky test, and questions are then likely to be asked of Lucas Alacaraz, who will be under pressure to improve fortunes after last season's impressive 10th-placed finish.

Recent form: LLDWWL

Atletico

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A year ago Atletico were in the battle for the title, and just a few weeks later Diego Simeone's side would edge out Barcelona to shock Spanish football with a stunning triumph in La Liga.

Much has changed in the past 12 months, but there are still reasons to be positive going forward as Atletico continue to impress with their unique style domestically and in Europe.

Hopes of defending the title faded halfway through the campaign, and attention quickly turned to securing Champions League qualification due to the challenge from Valencia and Sevilla.

However, Atletico currently occupy third spot, five points ahead of fifth-placed Sevilla, and a draw against Levante will be enough to book their place in next season's Champions League.

After raising expectations during his time at the club, Simeone will be desperate to turn his side into title contenders once again and the summer could prove to be pivotal.

The likes of Antoine Griezmann and Koke continue to be linked with moves to the Premier League, and the focus will be on keeping star players as much as ensuring the squad is improved.

Recent form: WDWWWD Recent form (all competitions): DWLWWD

Team News

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Fernando Torres was handed a start in the goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao last weekend, but he is likely to be replaced by fellow striker Mario Mandzukic.

Arda Turan is also expected to return to the starting lineup, while Jesus Gamez is in contention to take Guilherme Siqueira's spot at left-back.

Levante are once again expected to be without Pape Diop, who has still not recovered from an ankle injury, but Alcaraz could be tempted to make changes elsewhere.

Victor Casadesus started on his own up front against Sociedad, and he may be joined in attack by David Barral as the hosts consider a formation change.

Levante possible starting lineup: Marino, Vyntra, Juanfran, Tono, Ivan, Uche, Simao, Mari, Morales, Casadesus, Barral

Atletico possible starting lineup: Oblak, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Gamez, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Turan, Griezmann, Mandzukic

Head To Head

Griezmann has been the star of Atletico's season, and he was in fine form in January as he scored two goals to guide his side to a 3-1 victory over Levante in the reverse fixture.

Levante have fared much better at home in recent seasons having not lost any of the previous four times Atletico have visited, a run which included a 2-0 triumph a year ago.

Atletico have not won at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia since Diego Forlan scored the only goal of the game in April 2007.

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We say: Levante 0-2 Atletico

Levante may still be a win short of securing their La Liga status, but Alcaraz's side will find it tough to upset an Atletico side currently on a 12-match unbeaten run in the league. Simeone's side should be strong enough to pick up all three points.