Transfer interest in Colombian Johan Mojica Villareal last Thursday, on the final day of the market, turning him into the central figure of the upcoming match. Elche CF will contest it on Sunday at 18:30, at the Ciutat de València stadium, in front of Villarreal, known as the yellow submarine.
Mojica had been preparing for a game with Elche as the left-back until midweek, and now he faces his former teammates just four days later. Coach Emery stated on Friday that there are no concrete plans to purchase Mojica at this moment, but all eyes will be on him, even if he does not take part in the action on the pitch. Meeting old teammates in the tunnel before a game will feel unusual for everyone involved as they cross paths as opponents this afternoon.
The move represents a sharp moment for the slate of franciverde fans and Elche supporters. If Elche needed a goal after collecting only a single point from the first nine available in the opening three rounds, losing one of their most influential players at the last moment complicates the situation. Departing Elche with a keen edge, they aim to surprise and possibly even seek some form of revenge against Villarreal.
Whatever unfolds, the mission to sink the yellow submarine will not be easy, and success would stand as a notable achievement.
Emery’s squad opened with three away fixtures, seeking to minimize time spent without playing at La Cerámica stadium, and collected seven points, while conceding no goals. Alongside Athletic Bilbao, they are the only side yet to have conceded, while scoring five. They defeated Valladolid 3-0, previously beat Atlético Madrid 2-0, and drew 0-0 with Getafe on the most recent matchday.
Elche faces what may be their toughest challenge yet, having managed only one goal in the first three games against Almería.
Nevertheless, higher challenges await, and franciverde will try to exploit Villarreal’s vulnerabilities, even if they play at home and it will be difficult to perform on their own turf.
Francisco indicated on Friday that the team was swiftly moving past the Mojica saga and that preparations for the match focused solely on securing a positive result.
Fede Fernández, one of Elche’s two signings on the last day of the market, represents the main new presence in the squad. The Argentinian defender trained for the first time yesterday and appears in good physical shape after finishing pre-season with Newcastle. He arrived in Valencia with his new teammates yesterday afternoon and is available off the bench if needed.
Nico Fernández Mercau, the other new addition to franciverde, traveled from Argentina this Saturday and is expected to join training on Monday, aiming to be fit for the next match against Athletic Bilbao.
Francisco has a squad of 22 players and cannot rely on injured Gonzalo Verdú, Fidel Chaves, and Pol Lirola. Verdú and Chaves are nearing the end of their recovery, with Verdú a possible starter next week; Chaves has progressed but remains unavailable. The left winger has already returned to practice, though not ready to compete, and the right-back suffered a muscle issue in the game against Real Sociedad, being substituted at half-time and absent from the squad all week.
With three central defenders a possibility again, Francisco could revert to a three-center-back system with two wing-backs, a setup he used earlier in the season. The opener would be against Betis. Villarreal, a side with ball possession tendencies similar to Betis, could prompt the manager to tighten the defense and avoid repeating earlier mistakes against Real Sociedad.
In the starting lineup, two changes are expected, particularly on the flanks. Helibelton Palacios could come in for Pol Lirola on the right, and Carlos Clerc would line up on the left wing for Mojica in the opening minutes of the season. There is still speculation about whether Lucas Boyé will start.
The encounter also holds special meaning for Clerc and Roger, who will return to Ciutat de València, their home until last year, if not facing Levante.