Elche CF faces a late afternoon match (19 hours, DAZN TV) in their penultimate First Division appearance on a grand stage at La Catedral. The Basque side, currently in a tough position, arrives after a setback against Osasuna at El Sadar last Thursday. They sit seventh in the table, which would earn them European competition next season if results align. Beating the blue and white team today is essential, and Pamplonicas have not found a way to win at Getafe recently.
Following relegation to the Second Division, the Elche squad traveled to Bilbao with nothing left to fight for in terms of league battles. The Argentine coach Beccacece intends to push forward the progress already shown with his squad and is already thinking about next season. The team had notched a three-game unbeaten streak against Atletico Madrid, Getafe, and Sevilla, and finishing the season on a positive note could sustain the club’s optimism about a return to Spain’s top flight next year.
Beccacece will likely ride the same lineup as in recent fixtures, with key players carrying the main load. Carmona and Mascarell are not ready to rejoin the fold, making last-day returns unlikely. Helibelton Palacios and Diego Gonzalez continue to recover from muscle injuries and were unavailable for the prior matches.
The Franjiverde squad arrived in Bilbao with 23 players, including 22 from the first team and young Pamies, who has been on the bench in the last two days.
Elche went to Bilbao with 23 players
JA Galvanized
Outside of any surprise selections, the Argentine coach is expected to keep faith with his trusted starting XI and refrain from major changes.
Josan may continue to provide options at right-back. Pedro Bigas, recently renewed his contract, and Carlos Clerc hold stable roles in defense. If John Catalan is moved from the back, the left flank could see Lautaro White, who remained on the bench against Sevilla, returning to action on the left wing.
In midfield, Gerard Gumbau and Fidel are considered untouchables by Beccacece. Tete Morente is a versatile presence on both wings, while Lucas Boye remains the main attacking reference, trusted to lead the line against the opposition.
Father Milla could be given a chance to start after coming on as a substitute in the previous three days. The Parisian striker did not reach his best form against Sevilla, which might see him rested on Sunday. Another option is to deploy a left-sided double to support Lautaro White, allowing Nico Fernandez Mercau to add depth alongside Marcos and Nico Williams when facing Athletic Bilbao or Berenguer’s threat.
In the Basque camp, Ernesto Valverde appears unable to bank on rest for his squad. He must wait for a misstep from Osasuna to reclaim a European place, a path blocked only by results elsewhere.
Valverde cannot count on Dani García, Ander Herrera, Yeray, Íñigo Martínez, or Morcillo for this clash. The need to win will push him toward an aggressive, attacking lineup, balancing the midfield and adding two forwards to pressure the Elche defence.
The relegation battle remains fierce and pivotal. Elche will monitor the day’s outcomes to anticipate which potential opponents might accompany them in the Second Division next season. The fight to avoid relegation is intense, and Sunday’s matches promise dramatic moments.
At Mestalla, Valencia, sitting in 40 points, faces Espanyol on 35, with Espanyol looking likely to secure safety. A Valencia win would keep the pressure on others, while a loss could leave both teams in jeopardy on the final day.
Another crucial matchup features Almería (39) versus Valladolid (38) at the Mediterranean Games Stadium; the winner would likely secure safety, while a draw would leave both teams vulnerable. A direct clash also unfolds at New Miranda as Cádiz (38) hosts Celta (40). The Galicians, like Valencia, have not yet sealed their Primera status and need victory to ensure survival.
Bordalás’s Getafe (38) remains in trouble despite beating Betis at Villamarín. Madrid’s side must win, a tall order with Osasuna looming, who play Athletic Club Bilbao in a battle for Europe. All matches kick off at 19:00 in a weekend of heightened drama and competing stakes.
— End of article — (Source attribution: Club Elche Press)