Match Preview - Swans v Levante U.D.

Last updated : 04 August 2007 By Tycoch Jack
Tomorrow afternoon at the Liberty Stadium the Swans entertain Spanish La Liga side Levante, kick-off at 3.00pm

Levante currently play in
La Liga, which is the Spanish Premier Division, after winning promotion from the Spanish Second Division at the end of the 2005-06 season.

The 2006-07 season was the fourth season the club has played in La Liga, and they ended the season in 15th place.
The club was originally formed in 1909 as Levante FC, taking their name from Levante, the name used to refer to the eastern coast of Spain.

It will be a good opportunity for the Swans to test themselves against quality Spanish opposition. Speaking to the Evening post Martinez said:

"Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for us to sell ourselves in Spain and in a huge league like La Liga, there are already people talking about Swansea City out there and that's a big thing as far as selling our club goes. It's something we want to continue and I hope our fans come out to show what a big club we are.

"When the fixtures came out and we were away on the opening day of the season, we really wanted to organise a home friendly because we felt they deserved a chance to see the players before we got into the real business.

"We wanted a big opponent so it would be a big day and I think we've managed that."

Martinez is predicting a stern test for his players against visitors who finished towards the bottom of the Spanish top flight last season.

Levante's two most recognisable names on these shores, former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert and ex-Leeds defender Ian Harte, are both thought unlikely to make the trip as they are currently out of favour.

Former Rangers striker Shota Arveladze is also expected to miss out after getting injured this week, but Martinez is sure there will be plenty of quality on display.

"The coach, Abel Resino, is a big legend in Spanish football who played for Atletico Madrid and the national side and he is someone I admire," he added.

"I talked to him about playing his reserves, but unfortunately he won't agree!

"They have players like Riga Mustapha, a Dutch Under-21 international, Felix Etienn, who is one of the strongest players you'll see in Europe, and Damiano Tommasi, who played for 10 or 12 years with Roma and went to the World Cup with Italy.

"Then there is Alexis, a very good centre-half who has played for a long time in La Liga, promising young players like Nino and Miquel Robuste and Cavallero, an Argentinian who has also been to the World Cup.

"They are a fantastic team who tactically are one of the top 10 in Spain, so it will be a huge lesson on the pitch for us."

Sunday will also give most Swans fans their first opportunity to see Martinez's new summer signings.

Swans probable: De Vries, Rangel. Tate, Lawrence,Painter, Britton, Bodde, Pratley, Anderson, Scotland, Duffy. Subs: Gueret, Bussy, Robinson, O'Leary, Evans, Craney, Collins, Morgan, Allen, Watt, Austin, MacDonald