History and photo gallery of Elche-Zaragoza: Elche takes the lead
Elche faces a critical decision as they prepare for a Saturday clash at 21:00 against Espanyol at the Stage Front Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat. The coach weighs rewarding players who delivered, while also safeguarding trusted performers who contributed to a recent win and a strong run of form.
Recent performance showed Elche at their best. The previous day’s match against Zaragoza featured a complete showing, a 2-0 victory that showcased defensive solidity and attacking effectiveness. Three players, not typically in the starting XI, made notable contributions: Diego González, Raúl Guti, and Mourad.
In the broader context, the team has been juggling personnel decisions. A center-back replacement was made for Pedro Bigas due to muscle discomfort from the Albacete clash. Diego González impressed, offering reliability at the back and composure on the ball, aligning with the manager Beccacece’s expectations from the defense to initiates plays from behind.
The coach faces another fork in the road: whether to reward emerging players or revert to established options who have been trusted since the start. Chiclana de la Frontera or, conversely, Bigas, a player the Argentinian coach has unwavering confidence in, could return to the lineup once fully fit.
Raúl Guti mirrors this dilemma. The Zaragoza native had a strong showing against the city rivals, stirring whistles into applause from the stands. Like González, Guti has seen limited game time this season but has featured in cup ties and a few league appearances. His recent form suggests he could be a key piece again, echoing his early impact when arriving at Elche four seasons ago.
Nico Castro has already served a one-match suspension. He is among the players Beccacece trusted after a difficult period and was part of the long-term project signed last summer, offering depth and versatility in midfield.
During training, Beccacece’s guidance is clear as he shapes a balanced squad. The Argentine midfielder rotates between starting roles and substitutes, and with sanctions now served, he is expected to re-enter the fold against Espanyol. The midfield balance could influence whether Raúl Guti keeps his place or if Nico Castro takes the field later in the game.
In attack, Mourad took on a leading role as Sergio León and Borja Garcés faced injury concerns. Mourad has been improving steadily, showing positive movement in recent fixtures, including the Zaragoza clash. Garcés, who appeared at the end of the match, pushed the tempo as the team pressed for goals. The decision now rests with Beccacece on whether Mourad starts or Garcés is given the opportunity to influence from the front, with Borja Garcés ready to contribute if required.
Looking ahead, Elche aims to conserve resources for the crucial encounter against Espanyol. The base lineup is expected to stay intact with minor adjustments, as Josan maintains his role on the right flank, Mario Gaspar in defense, and Carlos Clerc alternating in the back line. Álex Febas remains a central figure in midfield, supported by Nico Fernández Mercau and Tete Morente on the wings. Oscar Plano has delivered in midfield during the last three matches and continues to be involved in buildup play.
With respect to tactical setup, the team’s structure centers on maintaining solidity at the back while sustaining pressure in midfields to unlock attacking opportunities. The lineup against Espanyol will be crafted to maximize balance and efficiency, leveraging Beccacece’s preference for a compact system that can transition quickly to attack when the moment arises.
In the anticipated starting XI against Espanyol, the focus will be on maintaining cohesion and minimizing disruption from any potential changes. The coach values consistency in key roles and relies on players who have demonstrated value in recent performances. The aim is to approach the Espanyol match with a clear method, a disciplined defense, and an offense capable of converting chances into goals.
Javi Puado will depart from the Catalan team, marking a notable change in Espanyol’s plans. Puado, a top scorer in the division with nine goals by the first half of the season, has endured an ankle issue. His absence could tilt the balance in Elche’s favor, underscoring the broader stakes of the upcoming clash.