Two tactical shifts and a few unexpected decisions mark the starting lineup Elche CF will deploy at 7:00 pm as they face Athletic Bilbao inside San Mames. The returning green line technician Sebastian Beccacece made two changes to the XI that played Sevilla last Wednesday. Lautaro Blanco and Lisandro Magallán return to the squad, while Lucas Boyé and Nico Fernández Mercau drop to the bench.
Elche visits an injured Athletics
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In principle, the visitors are expected to line up with three defenders in the back, two wingers, and a single forward ready to lead the attack. Josan and Lautaro Blanco are anticipated to operate from the flanks, while Magallán, Bigas, and Clerc form the central defensive trio. The plan centers on solidity at the back and quick transitions when possession shifts to attack.
Among the players unavailable for this trip to the Basque Country are Omar Mascarell, José Ángel Carmona, Helibelton Palacios, and Diego González. Those players were not part of the Frangiverde delegation heading to the Basque lands, as precautionary or fitness decisions kept them off the roster for this match.
Elche’s starting XI is set to feature Edgar Badia in goal, Josan and Magallán along the back line, Pedro Bigas and Carlos Clerc as full-backs, and Lautaro Blanco at left-back. In midfield, John Chetauya and Fidel Gumbau are expected to help control tempo, with Tete Morente and Randy Nteka providing creativity and speed in the wide areas. The forward line would likely include the versatile presence of Álex Collado or Pere Milla as impact options off the bench, while up front the squad could lean on the mobility of Lucas Boyé as a substitute or starter depending on the flow of the game. The substitute bench includes Áxel Werner, Roco, Gonzalo Verdú, Raúl Guti, Pere Milla, Pape Cheikh, Álex Collado, Pol Lirola, Ponce, Nico, and Pamies as potential changes to adjust tactics as the match unfolds.
⚔️ In San Mamés ⚔️#AthleticElche || #MuchoElche pic.twitter.com/ABRjvQVSql
— Elche Football Club (@elchecf) 28 May 2023
Athletic Club Bilbao’s coach Ernesto El Txingurri Valverde faced a cautious call ahead of the match. The coach had to manage several injuries in the squad, with player selections limited by fitness concerns about Dani García, Yeray Álvarez, Íñigo Martínez, and Jon Morcillo. In addition, Nico Williams experienced a late issue that could affect his involvement. The Basque side was expected to line up with Unai Simón in goal, a back four including De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche, and a midfield that featured Vesga, Sancet, and Iñaki Williams among others. The forward line would be spearheaded by Guruzeta, with options like Berenguer and Muniain offering support. On the bench, Arrizabalaga, Lekue, Anchor, Balenziaga, Gorka Zárraga, Raúl García, Aduriz, Unai García, and Junior Bita were ready to come on as substitutes if needed.
@elchecf
✊ Goazen, lehoiak! Athletic Elche energy on display as the two teams meet in Bilbao
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) 28 May 2023
Franjiverdes will attempt to secure a fourth consecutive league game without a loss by extending their current run. The recent form shows a mix of results: a win over Atlético de Madrid, a draw with Getafe, and a draw with Sevilla. This upcoming clash against Athletic Bilbao offers a testing platform for Elche to build consistency and maximize chances in a demanding away fixture.
The Basque side went into the match needing three points to stay in touch with European competition, having slipped to a lower position after a recent defeat away from home. The emphasis for both teams centers on measured pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting spacing in behind the defensive lines. It could come down to which side better manages fatigue and tactical discipline in a high-intensity environment.