Valencia v Elche: a high-stakes regional derby in the Valencian Community
The regional showdown between Elche CF and Valencia CF returns to the Martinez Valero stadium on Sunday at 14:00 local time, shaping up as a drama-filled afternoon for the home side. Elche sit already relegated to the Segunda Division, while Valencia find themselves in a tight battle near the bottom of the table. The gap to safety is narrow: Almería on 30 points, Cádiz on 31, Getafe on 31, and Valladolid on 32. With precious points required, the margin for error is razor-thin, and Valencia will be chasing a victory to ease the pressure as they head into this fierce Valencian derby.
Valencia-Elche is the most repeated derby in the Community
Valencia head coach Rubén Baraja faces a demanding squad selection as injuries and suspensions mount. The visitors will be without their main striker at this stage, while a limited squad calls for tactical adjustments. The campaign has also been complicated by Marco André’s season-ending injury, a meniscal tear that compounds the attacking concerns. Additionally, Hugo Duro will miss a league match after collecting his fifth yellow card, leaving Baraja with fewer options in attack.
In the wider framework, the wings and engine room face ongoing hurdles. Portuguese right-back Thierry Correia and Dutch creative midfielder Justin Kluivert remain sidelined, ruling them out of the Elche clash. A red card from the previous match continues to loom over Ilaix Moriba, who received a direct sending-off against Sevilla and now carries a lingering suspension. The absence list grows with questions about whether other regulars will be available for selection.
Valencia also navigates injuries in midfield and forward areas. Winger Samu Castillejo has spent the week dealing with foot problems that limit his movement, while Nico González, the Barcelona loanee, picked up an ankle sprain in the most recent fixture. These factors weigh on Baraja as he shapes his starting eleven for a fixture that could define Valencia’s mini-season trajectory.
In Elche, coach Sebastián Beccacece cannot rely on Carmona, who is rehabilitating from a hamstring tear sustained against Barcelona three days earlier, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. Right-back Helibelton Palacios also faces a late fitness hurdle after departing with adductor trouble in the previous weekend’s match and missing training earlier in the week. These injuries and fitness concerns shape the tactical approach Beccacece can deploy in the build-up to the match.
Fidel is ready to return
There is a note of optimism as Fidel re-enters the frame. The squad dynamics gain a lift with a familiar attacking option rejoining the fold, offering a different dimension up front. This development could provide Valencia with a sharper edge as the team seeks to break down an Elche defense that is expected to be well-organized and compact after recent setbacks.
Beyond the players on the field, discipline remains a factor to monitor. Gerard Gumbau has already collected five bookings, underscoring a discipline issue that could affect his availability in upcoming matches. Ezequiel Ponce, who was sent off with a direct red in the last meeting, remains a talking point for the match officer’s notes and the team’s plan to maintain composure in midfield and attack.