Elche faces a crucial test as Mirandés visits Martinez Valero
Fans are hoping for a festive lift after two recent defeats, with Elche wrapping up the year hoping to climb back into promotion contention. The upcoming match on Tuesday at 21:30 will be played at Martinez Valero, and the Franjiverdes know they must seize the moment against Mirandés to stay in touch with the leaders.
The latest losses to Cartagena and Oviedo were a heavy blow for Elche supporters who envisioned a strong finish to the first half of the season and a push toward the promotion spots in 2023. A victory could still be enough to shake up the table, but it requires the team to win and for rivals to stumble ahead of them in the standings.
Elche must rebound at the most inopportune moment
Elche’s squad is alert and focused. They know rest is not an option. In the previous two matches they controlled large stretches, led the scoreboard, and yet failed to hold the advantage as Cartagena and Oviedo surged back into the lead.
Inside the dressing room, analysis of those performances has reinforced the belief that Beccacece’s side will pursue a more aggressive approach this time. A defensive lapse or a slow start could threaten their hopes, and the entire Franjiverde environment would react with disappointment and concern.
The mission to win will be demanding. Mirandés sits just two points behind Elche in the table, so a victory would lift the visitors above them. Alessio Lisci’s squad has been enjoying a strong season, built on a youthful core. They enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run and did not concede in their last three games. With their objective clearly focused on securing top-flight status, maintaining momentum is key to staying comfortable in the standings.
Beccacece on Mirandés: a club that gives young players a chance
The Elche coach remains vigilant about the challenge ahead. Injuries persist, and players missing last Friday’s match at Tartiere continued to train separately. The squad has depth, and the coach will consider giving opportunities to younger talents if the situation demands.
Crevillentino faced a late fitness test before the last trip, and although he was available to play, the decision was made to spare him. Muscle issues have also affected other players, and selections will reflect the difficulty of maintaining a consistent lineup.
Josan and Nico Castro will not feature in the final 2023 match, and Nico Fernandez remains suspended after accumulating five yellow cards. In defense, Alex Martin returned to team training and could be included, though his match sharpness may lag behind. Forwards John and Sergio León are available but still working toward full match fitness; the coach indicated they might start on the bench as they refine their timing and connections with teammates.
Josan and Nico Castro: lining up against Mirandés
The starting XI is expected to resemble the Carlos Tartiere lineup. Rodrigo Mendoza could be retained in the attacking cohort after his solid performance, with a blend of youth and experience in wide and forward positions. The depth in the squad gives Beccacece options, but the task remains to translate potential into points on the board.
Beccacece and the plan for Mirandés
The Argentinian coach has not signaled an intent to change course, even with player availability fluctuating. A tactical shift or personnel move is possible, but the emphasis remains on discipline, compact defending, and quick transitions to exploit spaces behind Mirandés’ backline. The visiting side is known for granting chances to younger players, a feature that could test Elche’s concentration and consistency during the ninety minutes.
In the lead-up to kickoff, Beccacece’s team prepared for a stern test and embraced the challenge ahead. The encounter at Martinez Valero promises to be a tactical affair with high urgency from both sides, and the outcome could influence the final momentum of the year for Elche as they chase critical points down the stretch.
LaLiga Hypermotion Match Day 21 at the Martinez Valero is the stage for an important duel. The fixture details are clear: Elche against Mirandés at 21:30, with officials and operational logistics arranged to ensure a smooth evening for players and fans alike.
POSSIBLE ALIGNMENTS: Elche: San Román, Carreira, Mario Gaspar, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, Áleix Febas, Fidel, Rodrigo Mendoza, Tete Morente, Óscar Plano and Mourad. Mirandés is expected to field a competitive lineup designed to press Elche high, pressuring the ball carrier and launching swift counters when opportunities arise.
Today’s schedule highlights the broader league picture, with several other fixtures around the country setting the tone for a dramatic midweek round. The classification table shows a tight race, and a single win can tilt positions significantly, adding pressure on teams like Elche to maximize every chance at home.
The ball will roll with everything on the line, and the supporters will be hoping for a performance that combines resilience, creativity, and patient attacking movements. The season’s narrative remains open, and the result could shape not only the ending of the year but the early weeks of the next campaign as well.