Revolution or steady course: what does the new Elche manager need to pull off against Barcelona? Will the lineup or the tactical system change with this leadership change? Is a surprising result possible against the leaders tonight at 21:00 in Martínez Valero? This match, Day 27 of LaLiga Santander, pits the struggling Elche side against the formidable Barça group toward the top of the table.
What stands clear is that despite the uphill battle on the table — 13 points, 14 saves, and 12 fixtures remaining — the fans remain hopeful. The new coach will seek to field the best possible eleven and push for a stubborn performance. In just over ten days in charge, Beccacece has experimented with several training approaches, juggling injuries to players like Roco and Nteka and sanctions affecting Boyé and Cheikh. Some players have returned from injury, including Magallán and John. The starting system remains undecided, since Beccacece has often used a four-man defense in his career, though Elche has sometimes lined up with a five-man backline, and early responses suggest the coach is still weighing the best fit for this squad.
Fidel and Busquets who survived the last draw between Elche and Barça
VL Deltel
striker system
One plausible setup could be a 1-5-4-1 formation with the starting eleven. Edgar Badía would marshal a back three featuring Diego González, Pedro Bigas, and Helibelton Palacios to ease workload in training. On the flanks, there could be changes with Lautaro Blanco stepping in for Clerc. The coach has given the Argentine player minutes on the left, while Carmona may line up on the right. In midfield, Mascarell and Gumbau are expected to operate behind a supporting pair of Tete Morente and Fidel. Up front, a lone striker could be Pere Milla or Ponce. After recent remarks, Catalan supporters have become optimistic about the options ahead.
Publication of the list
A logical option remains on the table, though the decision about the starting lineup may not be announced minutes before kickoff. In fact, players themselves might not know the exact XI until closer to the match. Beccacece has been actively involved with the squad, coordinating training and strategy in the hours surrounding the team’s arrival at the Port of Elche Business Park. The players are set to arrive around early afternoon after a light morning routine.
rival
Barcelona’s team will land around noon and check in at Hotel Huerto del Cura before traveling to the stadium. The Barça squad led by Xavi Hernández is missing several regulars due to injuries and suspensions. Ronald Araujo was retained after a late call-up by Uruguay and trained normally. Christensen, Dembélé, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, and Raphinha are unavailable for various reasons. New names such as Alarcón, Aleix Garrido, Estanis, and Marc Casadó could feature, with Arnau, Pablo Torre, and Tenas also in consideration. The defense could include Balde, Marcos Alonso, Eric García, and Koundé, while the midfield may feature Busquets, Gavi, and Sergi Roberto. In attack, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, and Ferrán could lead the line, with other local players and stars like Araujo and Jordi Alba expected to be benched or rotated.
precedents
The Elche–Barcelona history tilts in Barça’s favor, with ten wins for the Catalans and eight for Elche on home soil in recent meetings. Barça has rarely lost as the visiting side when they hold the advantage, though a goalless draw occurred in the 2013/2014 season. The few players who remain from that era may include Fidel and Busquets, two players who could cross paths once again this evening. As Beccacece noted, anything is possible in football. This match marks Elche’s moment to show character; their campaign is open to an upset on a big stage, and the result could redefine their season trajectory for the night.