On the last day, Espanyol suffered a 2-0 defeat at home. Elche CF must rediscover victory and regain the path that leads to success. They had collected 14 of a possible 18 points, without losing any of the six games played.
To do this, the Elche squad faces a trap match this Sunday at 16:15 inside the Martínez Valero stadium, against Amorebieta. The Basque side is a recently promoted team sitting in the penultimate place in the standings, currently in a relegation spot. The gap between the two teams seems large at first glance. But the Beccacece era has shown that Elche must deliver their best performance if they want to move up in the duel.
Beccacece: Elche is the busiest team in the Second Division, but Amorebieta is the team that runs the most
The visitors come off a convincing win against another promotion hopeful, Tenerife, just the day before; they also earned four points from the last six after a draw at El Molinón-Enrique Castro Quini against Sporting de Gijón, another top team in the table. These two facts underline that this afternoon’s clash will be far from easy for Elche.
Beccacece has reorganized the squad and called on all artillery. Sergio Leon returned after more than a month sidelined by injury, but is expected to start on the bench as he works his way back to full match rhythm.
Elche save effort against Amorebieta
Those choosing the starting XI include Pedro Bigas, Nico Castro and Borja Garcés. Each of them started on the bench in the previous match to reward the most recent winning performances. The defense will see a return to the central axis with Diego Gonzalez, while the midfield line will feature the Argentinian in a deeper role. Injured Raul Guti remains unavailable for several weeks after two muscle injuries in both legs. The forward role will be taken by the forward who has recovered from his knock and is ready to take the field alongside Murad.
Bad news for Raul Guti in Elche
In principle, no further changes are expected in the lineup, and the rest of the starting XI should remain intact from recent games. San Román has been managing back problems through the week and is nearing full fitness, which could see him continue in goal. Edgar Badia might also be considered if a change is needed to protect the back line from fatigue.
Could Edgar Badia start again in the league for Elche this Sunday?
The defense will likely see Josan continuing on the right, Mario Gaspar operating as a right back, and Clerc performing a versatile role as center-back and left-back. There is a rich mix of options across the back line and midfield as the team aims for balance and territorial control.
Mario Gaspar arrives at the Iborra field
Alex Febas will form the center of the midfield with Nico Castro, supported by Nico Fernandez and Tete Morente who will provide freedom on the wings. Oscar Plano is expected to take on a holding midfield role while Borja Garcés leads the attack alongside the other forwards. The Elche squad gathered at the Port Milenio Hotel on Saturday afternoon as the coach stressed the need for maximum focus because three crucial points are at stake.
Elche players during training last Wednesday
Possible lineups:
Elche: San Román or Edgar Badia; Josan, Mario Gaspar, Pedro Bigas or Diego González, Clerc; Tete Morente, Febas, Nico Castro, Nico Fernández, Oscar Plano and Borja Garcés.
Amorebieta: Pablo Campos; Jorge Mier, Manu Hernando, Gayá, Félix Garreta, Lasure; Morán, Carbonell; Dorrio, Avilés and Morcillo.
Referee: Arcediano Monescillo (Castilla-La Mancha).
Stadium: Martínez Valero.
Kick-off: 16:15 (LaLigaTV)