Promising candidates for promotion are under close scrutiny. Based on what has been shown so far, the contenders are far from their targets. They are direct competitors with similar ambitions. Martínez remains a familiar figure at Valero. Elche and Zaragoza are set to clash this Saturday at 18:30, during matchday 15 of LaLiga Hypermotion. Across the league, there are 25 examples—some within the Altabix region. Seven teams are in the lower tiers, while the rest compete at the top level. The last five results show three local wins and two away wins in the silver division.
Last Elche-Zaragoza on the way to the First with Pacheta
VL Deltell
Discontinuity
Two sets of objective data point to the same conclusion: both teams arrive with diminished resources, especially in attack. Elche fans received the first encouraging news from the Franjiverde infirmary yesterday. Borja Garcés has been recalled and is expected to start on the bench, possibly getting a few minutes late in the game.
It has been confirmed that Fidel and Sergio León will not be present. This was stated clearly by Elche coach Sebastián Beccacece, who questioned central defender Pedro Bigas’s participation due to a muscle issue that forced him to retire early in Albacete. John Chetauya remains outside the squad. In total, injuries account for between 3 and 5 players, with Nico Castro also sidelined by suspension.
Different dynamics
The trajectories of Elche and Zaragoza diverge markedly. Elche opened the season with a strong run, earning five wins from the first five matches, while Zaragoza stumbled, recording only one victory and four draws over the next nine games. They collected seven points from 27 possible, leaving Zaragoza in ninth place with 22 points, nine behind leaders Leganés and already contending for promotion play-off spots. The team’s performances at La Romareda have raised questions, and the return of Fran Escribá could threaten his standing should results falter in this match.
Elche, by contrast, has benefited from a recent uptick in results. A draw in Albacete came with a majority of the second half played with ten men, followed by victories over Tenerife, Huesca (away), and Andorra. Other results at Elda have supported a recent stretch in which Beccacece’s side earned eleven points from the last fifteen.
From less to more Elche reached the first third of the season far beyond expectations
JA Galvan
Possible alignments
There is a need for adjustments in the starting XI that the Argentinian coach initially built. Pedro Bigas’s uncertain status could bring a change in the defense, depending on the final lineup. Josan and Clerc could operate from the flanks, with Diego González and Mario Gaspar rejoining the central axis. Nico Castro’s suspension may open a door for Raúl Guti, who would pair with Aleix Febas. On the wings, Tete Morente and Nico Fernández Mercau could feature, while Óscar Plano and Mourad may lead the attack. The goalkeeper will be San Román.
Rival
Zaragoza faces significant front-line injuries. Sinan Bakis is sidelined, Víctor Mollejo is suspended, and Álvarez, Nieto, and Fernández will miss time due to injuries. Escribá could turn to one of the club’s newer signings, Sergio Enrich, who has appeared nine times but has yet to score. There is also 20-year-old Iván Azón, who has chipped in with two goals and offers more options up front. Manu Vallejo is expected to contribute in a more measured role.