While the pre-season often serves to test players and game systems, Elche CF’s coach, Sebastían Beccacece, does not hesitate to hint at the possible starting eleven for the official competition.
The Argentine manager earned trust from the moment he took the green-and-green bench in the last episode of the previous season. He began with a core group of eight or nine players and made adjustments from there based on the opponent, the fixture, and the available squad.
As the upcoming campaign approaches, Beccacece gradually outlines his preferred starting lineup. After the last two friendlies against Alcorcón and Parma, he fielded two similar lineups that could resemble the one used for the league opener on Saturday at 22:00 against Racing de Ferrol.
Insufficient development of Elche (1-1)
In principle, Edgar Badía is a natural owner of the team, yet the Catalan goalkeeper missed the final pre-season games due to a quadriceps concern. Although he has resumed normal training, Beccacece did not risk him on opening day, favoring caution with the veteran custodian.
The main question for tomorrow’s starting eleven is the tactical system. Will the team line up with a four-man back line or a three-man defense with two wingers pushing wide? The choice will influence how the flanks are used and how mobility is distributed across the wings.
If a four-back formation is chosen, Mario Gaspar would provide pace on the right, and Josan would line up on the right side of the defense. The central axis could feature Alex Martín and Pedro Bigas, with Carlos Clerc available as a left-back who can also push forward if Beccacece wishes. Clerc is a versatile option the coach values, and he is set to be involved in the starting lineup in this or that role.
In a three-centers setup, Martín, Bigas, and Clerc would likely start from the first whistle. Tete Morente and Josan could switch to the right wing, with Lautaro on the left, creating two attacking bands that stretch the defense. Beccacece tested these variations against Alcorcón and Parma, keeping the competition lively for openings.
The midfield also remains open, with Christian Salvador expected to knit the plays together alongside Nico Castro and Óscar Plano, who are pushing to integrate fully into the system as the new season begins.
Cristian Salvador has emerged as a strong candidate for the central midfield role, though Raúl Guti carries an edge after proving his value following John’s injury. The coach has shown satisfaction with Guti’s performance and offensive influence in the early friendlies.
Two midfielders with attacking instincts are clearly in focus: Fidel has been a regular starter on the right, with Álex Febas on the left or vice versa. Nico Fernández Mercau has featured in the last two tune-ups and is active and versatile, a profile Beccacece appreciates. He can start on the left and drift toward the middle, allowing the left-back to push higher up the field.
In forward positions, Lucas Boyé remains the undisputed No. 9, with the club not entertaining market chatter that could derail the plans. Tete Morente also holds a fixed role on either flank depending on the tactical setup.
Thus, with the goal in mind, eight of the ten outfield players are shaping the expected lineup: Álex Martín, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, Raúl Guti, Fidel, Álex Febas, Tete Morente, and Lucas Boyé. Besides any surprises, they are expected to start.
For the remaining two slots, Nico Fernández and Josan compete, and if Beccacece opts for three central defenders, Lautaro could also feature from the outset.
What remains clear is the Argentine coach has a wide pool to choose from and may vary the formation or inject players as needed. It is possible to switch systems mid-game or alter defensive shapes with four-man blocks or three-man lines in attack depending on the moment.
Between the end of last year and the pre-season, Beccacece has been refining his ideas and testing different configurations.
23 players available and only one casualty: John Chetauya
Elche will complete a final training session on Friday morning before the league clash with Racing de Ferrol at 22:00 on Saturday, followed by a light activation session as the team concentrates for the matchday. When naming the squad, Beccacece will consider all players in the first-team group, including new arrivals and adjustments for fit and form.
If the team lists all first-team members, with recent transfers Oscar Plano and Nico Castr offering depth along with Mario Gaspar, the squad would reach 21 players. Rodrigo Mendoza and Jesús López are also in the mix for selection as the season begins.
Elche has already set its sights on Racing de Ferrol
The one certain absence for the league opener is John Chetauya, who is undergoing rehabilitation for a fibula injury and will be unavailable until November. This keeps Beccacece with a pool of 23 players, within the limit for matchday call-ups. It seems unlikely that additional youth players will be summoned, as Javi Pamies, Didac, and Adam are already with El Ilicitano after preseason work with the first team.