Elche FC’s Starting XI and Tactical Setup for Betis Clash
The Elche squad for the La Liga 2022-2023 opener against Real Betis featured a trusted three central defenders system, aligned with a compact midfield and fast wingers. The coach favored continuity from the previous season, trusting several players who had established themselves during pre-season and in the late stages of last campaign. The defensive axis was anchored by John Chetauya alongside Enzo Roco and Pedro Bigas, while Diego González remained on the bench after taking part in the latest warmups. The selection underlined a plan to control the central areas and deny Betis space in the middle of the park, with an eye on quick transitions when opportunities arose.
In midfield, the Colombian duo Helibelton Palacios and Johan Mojica were deployed on the flanks to support the middle block, with Omar Mascarell and Gerard Gumbau providing structure and ball distribution. In attack, Pere Milla and Fidel were tasked with occupying the wide lanes, stretching Betis and creating space for the central threat of Roger Martí. The Argentine forward Ezekiel Ponce remained among the starting lineup options at the dock, while Roger Martí emerged as one of Elche’s four new signings to begin the season in a starting role. The overall approach showed a balance between solidity and attacking intent, aiming to take the initiative at Benito Villamarín and test Betis at the source.
The depth chart behind the XI saw Carlos Clerc, Pol Lirola, and Álex Collado registered as reserves, ready to be introduced as the match demands. Their readiness highlighted the manager’s plan to rotate positions and maintain intensity throughout the 90 minutes, leveraging fresh legs to sustain pressure on Betis as the game unfolded. A few players watched from the sidelines, awaiting opportunities to contribute as impact substitutes or to reinforce the tactical shape if shifts were needed during play.
The squad faced several injury concerns that influenced the selection. Four players were unavailable, with Gonzalo Verdu nursing an adductor issue following surgery, and Lucas Boy continuing his rehabilitation from adductor problems. Raul Guti was sidelined by muscle discomfort, while Javier Pastore, despite having trained with the group, was not yet cleared to compete in a competitive fixture. These absences shaped the early-season rotations and forced the coaching staff to adapt the plan as the match progressed.
Elche’s starting lineup for the Betis game included Edgar Badía in goal, with the backline featuring John Chetauya, Enzo Roco, Pedro Bigas, and Helibelton Palacios. The midfield spine consisted of Mascarell and Gumbau, while Mojica and Fidel supplied the width. Pere Milla and Roger Martí completed the attacking line. The reserve options included stand-ins such as Axel Werner and Jesús López in goal, along with Diego González, Tete Morente, Josan, Ezekiel Ponce, Álex Collado, Carlos Clerc, Pol Lirola, and Alfaro, ready to contribute if required.
Francisco’s tactical idea hinged on a three-man central defense, two wide lanes, and a solitary striker, a setup designed to fill the middle of the pitch so Betis would find it difficult to control the tempo. The plan also sought moments to exploit counters from deeper positions, leveraging the pace of Palacios and Mojica on the wings and the finishing instinct of Milla and Martí. It echoed a successful approach from April of the previous season when Elche had triumphed at Benito Villamarín and reinforced a persistence in practice that suggested a willingness to take risks when the opportunity arose.