Elche CF’s coach, Sebastián Beccacece, has always treated the Copa del Rey with seriousness, even as the early qualifying rounds seemed more about Europe and experimental lineups. When the moment called for it, he did not hesitate to field the strongest available players. In the match against Jaén, for instance, the second half saw Álex Febas, Nico Castro, and Clerc brought in, along with Fidel, to reinforce the attack and control the tempo of the game.
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In the discussion surrounding the squad, the focus remains on how Beccacece balances rotation with results, ensuring that key players are ready for decisive moments while others have a chance to prove their worth on a big stage.
Elche eliminated Linares and eyes top spot in the Cup
As the club heads toward the 32nd-round draw, scheduled for this Saturday at 18:00, the challenge rises for the coach. He faces a choice: to deploy his best starting XI or to continue testing the depth of the squad.
The upcoming match differs from the Europa and Linares ties because it is not a midweek encounter. Attention shifts to league play over the weekend, marking the first clash of 2024 that stretches seven days into the future. On Saturday, January 13, at 18:30 in Tenerife, Elche will not have a league game immediately beforehand.
What stands out is the scale of the rival—an imminent showdown against a co-leader of the First Division and one of the most ambitious clubs in world football. All eyes will be on Martínez Valero, where around 20,000 supporters are expected to cheer the team as the dream of players, coaches, and fans resonates through the stands.
Elche expects close to 20,000 spectators for the Cup match against Girona
The match is a tempting confection for supporters, inviting reflection on whether to push fully in the Cup or prioritize league results, which remain vital for the club’s long-term status.
In goal, Edgar Badía is retained as the goalkeeper, with Miguel San Román on the bench. San Román has been favored in the league and the previous qualifiers, providing healthy competition for Girona’s forward line. The Catalan stopper may see his chance to start again as long as Beccacece trusts him and no setback arises for the benched keeper.
Injuries or fitness issues aside, players like Josan and Nico Castro show limited availability. The assumption is that they will not feature in the starting XI. Carreira appears ready to be among the likely starters as well.
Carreira: “Girona is the favorite, but not aiming to win would be a letdown”
Garcés and Sergio León have not stood out in the first half of the season, yet they must maintain a strong pace to keep competing. After his recovery from injury, John Chetauya returned to action in the last match against Mirandés. The team now evaluates whether there are too many players competing for the same spots, pondering if Pedro Bigas, Mario Gaspar, Clerc, Febas, Nico Fernández, or Tete Morente will secure starting roles.
During training sessions, the squad has been observed in a state of careful selection. The question remains whether players like Diego González, Álex Martín, Cristian Salvador, Salinas, Raúl Guti, or Lautaro Blanco will receive a chance in cup action or perhaps be moved on in the winter transfer window. Restlessness around competition and playing time is a daily reality for those on the fringe.
The training sessions last Wednesday offered a glimpse into the manager’s thinking, though the final decision will be revealed on matchday. The goal is to craft a lineup that balances the immediate Cup test with the rhythm of the league as Elche approaches a critical stretch in the season.
The situation is intricate. A week before the league returns, the allure of a Cup tie with Girona, and the advantage of playing at home, all point to Beccacece giving maximum effort to surprise.