Elche CF’s coach Francisco Rodriguez has named four changes to his starting XI as they prepare to face Villarreal, with kickoff set for six thirty in the evening. The Franjiverde boss sticks to a four-man defensive line, but with changes on both flanks planned to bring balance. Helibelton Palacios steps in on the right wing for the injured Pol Lirola, while Carlos Clerc is chosen to debut at left back for Elche. Mojika, who moved to Castellón last Thursday, is absent from the squad.
The remaining alterations involve midfield and attack: Raul Guti comes in to reinforce the midfield alongside Gerard Gumbau, and Lucas Boy replaces Roger Martí in the forward line. The rest of the starting group remains the same as the side that began against Real Sociedad.
The team listed by Elche for this clash reads Edgar Badía, Helibelton Palacios, Enzo Roco, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, Mascarell, Guti, Álex Collado, Tete Morente, Eze Ponce and Luca Boyé. On the bench, there will be two backup goalkeepers in case of changes: Axel Werner and Jesús López, plus Argentine Fede Fernández, who has been called up; John Chetauya, Diego González, Gumbau, Domingos Quina, Josan Ferrández, Pastore, Pere Milla and Roger Martí are also included as alternatives.
For Villarreal, Mojica is included in the squad and will be available from the bench as a potential substitute option.