While recent results have not gone their way, newly promoted Elche find themselves in the top half of the table, and now they are gearing up to face one of the giants, Barcelona, away from home.
The reigning La Liga champions have not been in the best of form in recent weeks. The Blaugrana have lost two out of their last three La Liga outings, and they are now five points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick’s charges are heading into this fixture on the back of a defeat in the Clasico. The home side will be eager to return to winning ways, and they do have enough quality in their squad to get the job done against the newly promoted outfit.
Elche have accumulated 14 points in their first ten outings following their return to the top flight. They have won three, drawn five and have only lost two games so far. However, both those defeats have come in their last three La Liga outings.
Elche are heading into this fixture against Barcelona on the back of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Espanyol in the league. While they did bounce back against UD Los Garres in the Copa del Rey, going up against Barcelona certainly won’t be easy for them. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Hansi Flick has a massive boost heading into this fixture as Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are back training. The pair should be a part of the Barcelona squad for the game against Elche CF. Joan Garcia is also closing in on a return.
However, Pedri has joined Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha on the sidelines. While there are concerns over Lamine Yamal’s availability, he should be fit enough to start.
The home team will continue to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wojciech Szczesny will be in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde should be the full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi should pair up with Eric Garcia in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado should form the double pivot with Frenkie de Jong in the middle of the pitch. The duo will look to control the tempo of the game. Fermin Lopez should continue in the number ten role.
Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford should feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attack. Finally, Ferran Torres should lead the line for Barcelona against Elche CF this weekend.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Casado, de Jong; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Rashford; Torres
Elche have no fresh injury concerns heading into this fixture, which means Eder Sarabia has a fully fit squad to choose from. Hector Fort, who is on loan at Elche from Barcelona, is eligible to feature in this fixture, but is still unlikely to start.
The visitors will line up in a 3-5-2 formation, where Inaki Pena Sotorres will take charge in goal. In the heart of the defence, Victor Chust will start alongside David Affengruber and Pedro Bigas. The back three will receive significant support from Alvaro Nunez and German Valera, who will feature as the wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Rodri Mendoza will start alongside Aleix Febas and Marc Aguado in the centre of the park. The trio will look to ensure Barcelona do not dominate the ball too deep in their half. Meanwhile, Andre Silva should continue in the final third alongside Rafa Mir.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Pena; Chust, Affengruber, Bigas; Nunez, Mendoza, Febas, Aguado, Valera; Silva, Mir
Barcelona have endured quite a few injury problems in the initial phase of the season, and Hansi Flick has often had to rely on Torres, who has certainly done a good job for them. The Spaniard has been involved in 11 matches and has contributed towards six goals.
But having failed to score or bag an assist in any of his last four La Liga outings, the 25-year-old will be eager to make a difference for Barcelona against Elche. He certainly has the qualities to help his team back to winning ways against the newly promoted outfit.
Barcelona will be desperate to bounce back from their recent setbacks when they host Elche on Sunday evening. Despite a rough patch that has seen them lose two of their last three league outings, Hansi Flick’s men remain a major attacking threat, having scored the most goals in the division.
Elche, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive start to life back in the top flight but are beginning to show signs of vulnerability, having lost two of their last three league matches. Eder Sarabia’s side have been well-organised defensively, yet a trip to Barcelona will be their biggest challenge so far.
Given Barcelona’s attacking firepower and their perfect record against Elche at home, it is hard to see anything other than a comfortable win for the reigning La Liga champions. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Flick and his charges.
