Levante vs. Real Madrid: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Real Madrid will resume their 2014-15 La Liga campaign following the international break with a trip to Levante, as Los Blancos prepare for one of the most difficult stretches of their schedule so far.

The match against Levante will be followed by a UEFA Champions League fixture against Liverpool and the first meeting of the season with Barcelona, so Carlo Ancelotti will want his players not to overlook the first challenge on hand.

Levante haven't been wildly successful during the 2014-15 season, but with one or two key contributors missing Saturday's clash due to illness, Les Granotes will like their chances.

Date: Saturday, October 18

Time: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET

Venue: Estadi Ciutat de Valencia

TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports 5 on a delayed transmission (for UK viewers) and BeIN Sports USA( for US viewers), with mobile coverage available via the Sky Go app and BeIN Sports Connect.

Preview

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

The international break often comes with players suffering untimely injuries or struggling for form, and Los Blancos are no exception.

During a press conference, Ancelotti told reporters Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane returned from France with some kind of illness, via the club's official website:

"

We are focused on this match. We haven't had any unusual problems, except for Varane and Benzema, who both woke up with fevers and are unlikely to be available. The rest of the squad is in good shape and we can maintain the streak of form we were enjoying before the international break, but it will be difficult because Levante is a brave and strong side at home.

"

Nacho and Javier Hernandez are likely to replace the French duo, and both players will have a unique opportunity to impress their manager.

Nacho will go up against La Liga's worst scoring team, via WhoScored.com, another chance for the 24-year-old to gain some valuable experience.

Chicharito has looked solid in limited time so far, and he could be in line for his first la Liga start with Benzema unavailable for selection. Iker Casillas and Isco will also start, per Ancelotti.

Real's recent history against Levante suggests Saturday's fixture shouldn't present a problem, via BlancoStats:

With meetings against Liverpool and Barcelona on the horizon, Ancelotti was always likely to rotate the squad. AS English's Nicholas Rigg believes even Sami Khedira could see some playing time against Levante:

The hosts have struggled through the early stages of the 2014-15 season, have scored just four goals so far and are winless at home, via WhoScored. Even without the likes of Varane and Benzema, Los Blancos shouldn't struggle too much on Saturday.

While you can never overlook any opponent, Levante simply don't have the talent and raw athleticism to keep up with Real's insane tempo, led by star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Los Blancos will attempt to tear down the defensive walls inside the first 20 minutes, and if they're successful, expect a blowout in Valencia.

Prediction: Levante 0-4 Real Madrid