Francesco has already mapped out the starting lineup he believes will carry Elche’s ambitions into their clash with Real Sociedad. The match, scheduled for the third round of the season, is set to kick off this Saturday at 17:30 at the Martínez Valero stadium. The coach appears confident in the unit he has assembled after evaluating the team through the week, signaling continuity in his approach. In goal for Elche will be Edgar Badía, while the back line features Pol Lirola, Enzo Roco, Pedro Bigas, and Omar Mascarell slots into the defensive phase with Mojica on the left. Midfield pivots see Gumbau and Álex Collado pulling strings, with Tete Morente operating higher up the pitch. The attacking trio will be Eze Ponce leading the line with Roger Martí supporting from the left and providing a constant threat in the final third.
On the substitutes bench, the squad includes goalkeepers Axel Werner and Jesús López for potential action, and a blend of experienced and recovering players ready to impact the match. Outfield options consist of Palacios, John (returning after a one-game suspension), Diego González, Clerc, Raúl Guti, Josan, Pastore, Domingos Quina, Pere Milla, and Lucas Boyé. The depth chart suggests a flexible approach from the bench, allowing tactical shifts depending on how the game unfolds and the pace Real Sociedad imposes in the middle and final thirds.
Two of Elche’s captains, Fidel and Gonzalo Verdú, began the campaign sidelined by injuries, a factor the team must manage as the season progresses. Their absences are felt in leadership and organization on the field, underscoring the need for others to step up and stabilize the side during key moments in matches. The club enters this fixture seeking its first league victory of the season after an opening win against Real Betis in Sevilla, a result that placed them firmly in the early running, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Almería in the last round. The Martínez Valero crowd will hope for a strong reaction from the home team as they attempt to turn a productive start into sustained momentum, taking advantage of the home atmosphere and the support that accompanies league fixtures at their familiar venue.
Real Sociedad’s tactical setup under coach Imanol Alguacil is expected to mirror a balanced approach. The intended starting XI features Remiro in goal, with Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, and Aihen forming the defensive line. Midfield control is anticipated from Zubimendi alongside Brais Méndez and Mikel Merino, with Silva operating in a more advanced role and Take Kubo and the wing threat of the attacking line. The club arrives eager to respond after a narrow win at Cádiz opened their campaign, followed by a tougher 1-4 defeat in San Sebastián against Barcelona, a result the team will look to improve upon as they travel to Elche. The recent sale of Swedish striker Alexander Isak to Newcastle for a substantial fee adds pressure to the squad to deliver in front of goal, while injuries to Oyarzabal, Guevara, Turrientes, Diego Rico, Merquelanz, and Carlos Fernández keep the lineup dynamic and subject to late changes. These dynamics will shape both teams’ approach as they contest valuable league points on a weekend slate that promises intensity and strategic nuance. The match’s outcome will likely hinge on how the hosts press Real Sociedad, how efficiently they convert chances, and how the visitors translate possession into meaningful attacking moments that test the mettle of two squads keen on building early-season confidence.
As the kickoff approaches, observers will be watching for tactical adjustments, player rotations, and the broader impact of the season’s early fixtures on both sides. This encounter stands as a test of consistency for Elche, especially at home, and a barometer for Real Sociedad’s ability to maintain form after a mixed start. The result could set the tone for the coming weeks as teams accumulate points and refine their identities under pressure from a competitive league schedule. [Source: match previews and team announcements]