Francisco unveils a bold starting XI as Elche prepares to host Mallorca at the stadium, with kickoff set for 2:00 PM local time. The clash stands out as a pivotal relegation battle, separated on the table by only three points, underscoring the high stakes of this afternoon encounter.
For the first time since taking charge, the coach from Almería has favored a three-center-back line and a two-wing setup. Facing the absence of two traditional number nine options due to injuries to Lucas Boyé and Guido Carrillo, the formation shifts to strengthen the midfield while featuring a lone central striker. The intention is to compact the defense while unlocking faster transitions through the flanks, an approach the Elche camp hopes will disrupt Mallorca’s build-up play.
Edgar Badía will anchor the defense at the castle, with Francisco aiming to win aerial duels and manage long balls directed toward the target man. Enzo Rojo, Gonzalo Verdú, and Pedro Bigas form the central trio, providing cover and distribution from the back. Up the field, the wing roles are designed for sustained input, with Josan on the right seeking to exploit width and mobility on the overlap, the muscle recovered from a week of discomfort, while Johan Mojica operates on the left to balance the attack with his pace and crossing ability.
Midfield integrity is a key focus, as Gumbau is unavailable and has been on the bench during the week. Omar Mascarell, Raúl Guti, Fidel, and Kike Pérez will compose the central corridor, with the latter starting in this match for the first time since joining in January. Ezequiel Ponce is earmarked as the sole offensive reference, tasked with holding the ball up and linking play between the midfield and the attack. This system echoes formations Francisco has employed in previous stops, reflecting a strategic shift he began exploring in Girona and later in Huesca. The plan is to bring a clear game plan to life, something the coach has signaled he intends to realize with this squad in a critical fixture against Mallorca.
Pere Milla remains among the substitutes, while the tactical arrangement mirrors the approach used by the Almería boss in his recent match against Real Sociedad. In total, five changes are made compared to the prior lineup. Helibelton Palacios misses action after earning five yellow cards; Boyé and Carrillo are out due to their fitness concerns, and junior forward John Chetauya is also available for consideration from the bench. The coach has assembled a roster capable of versatility to contest every phase of play, from defense-to-attack transitions to late-game adjustments as scenarios unfold.
Elche’s starting XI is defined as: Edgar Badía, Enzo Rojo, Gonzalo Verdú, Pedro Bigas, Josan, Johan Mojica, Omar Mascarell, Raúl Guti, Fidel, Kike Pérez, and Ezequiel Ponce. The substitutes bench includes two backup goalkeepers and a list of options ready to be deployed if required: Kiko Casilla, Lluis Andreu, Barragán, Diego González, Iván Marcone, Gerard Gumbau, Lucas Olaza, Piatti, Tete Morente, Pastore, and Pere Milla. This rotation provides Francisco with a wide array of tactical levers should the match demand adjustments in tempo or structure, aiming to maximize Elche’s chances in a decisive moment of the season. (Elche CF briefing)