“The reason why the teams are defeated is that they are not strong on the field and our opponent is the opposite, being accurate in offense and strong in defense”. This is how Elche coach Pablo Machín expressed himself yesterday in the preview of the 23rd game day of LaLiga, where he and his team will face Betis at Martínez Valero this evening (21:00).
Coach asked his team to be at least as accurate as Betis. And that they jumped on the grass with “rebellion” and “pride”. Conditions they already have. In the painful loss against Espanyol, the coach counted 15. Now we have to implement them. The development behind it is also evident. Competitors -with the exception of Madrid- come less. But something always happens. Slippages that always draw the team, sometimes grotesque mistakes, red cards or injuries like misfortunes… A negative dynamic that has accompanied the green-green team since the beginning of the season and Machín knows “only we can change it”.
numbers
It won’t be for the support of the fans. Definitely not because of the attitude of the team. But the numbers are a wonderful plate that weighs on Elche. The present ones. With just 9 points and a single win against fifth grade, Colistas is a Betis assuming Champion positions. Historical ones. Franjiverde’s last victory in his asylum dates back to 1985.
He is also against the casualty division. While it is true that Betis came to Elche without one of their current figures, midfielder Sergio Canales There are very sensitive losses in the attack. From injured Pere Milla, the team’s top scorer, to the most in-form winger, José Ángel Carmona -he was penalized for seeing red last Sunday-. And the last company, Randy Nteka, will be suspicious until the last minute, but Machín has already admitted that “a few minutes can help” at most.
Nteka is suspicious
The French striker did not train with the group this week due to gastroenteritis. and suffered muscle discomfort on the last day. According to Soriano coach, Gonzalo Verdú also has serious doubts due to the discomfort in his knee yesterday. And Álex Collado and John Chetauya won’t be there either, as they’ve been in recovery for a long time.
Thus Machín has to change his eleven types once again. The only person always there is Edgar Badia under the sticks. The goalkeeper continues to be one of the best in every game for Elche, despite not conceding a goal this season. Magellan He was fixed recently, but had a “resolved” muscle ailment against Espanyol, according to the trainer. It could start with Enzo Roco and Helibelton Palacios. Bigas and González can also be used for the defensive axis.
news at eleven
There will be Clerc in the lanes and Pol Lirola’s return is likely. Josan may also appear. Or that Palacios will occupy the position and another defender will enter. At the core are undoubtedly Gumbau and Mascarell. For Machín, these are indisputable. Like the two above, only Lucas Boyé and Eze Ponce on the other side. A wing midfielder would have been missing, probably Fidel, who had already stepped up.
eleven betico
Pellegrini i can’t trust Juan Cruz or Guido Rodriguez, so she can be with Rui Silva; Sabaly, Luiz Felipe, Victor Ruiz, Abner; Carvalho, Guardado; Juanmi, Luiz Henrique, Fekir and Borja Iglesias.