Barcelona vs Elche – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Prediction | La Liga 2021-22

Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona with Referee Ovidiu Hategan
Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona with Referee Ovidiu Hategan - IMAGO / Team 2

Barcelona will look to return to winning ways when they host Elche in the weekend La Liga fixture.

Venue: Camp Nou

Key statistics

  • Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 17 games against Elche in La Liga (W13 D4)
  • Barca have kept clean sheets in their last 10 games against Elche.
  • Barcelona are unbeaten at home against Elche in 22 league games. 
  • Barcelona have recorded 6 wins in La Liga this season after 16 games. It is their lowest tally at this stage of the competition since the 2003/04 campaign.
  • The Catalans are eighth in the league table with 24 points while Elche are 16th with 15 points.

Head to Head

Barcelona boast a perfect home record against Elche in La Liga, not losing any of their 22 games played so far.

Latest performances in all competitions

Barcelona: D W L L D

Elche: D W W L W

Barcelona

Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw against Osasuna in La Liga last week, which extended their winless run to three games in all competitions.

The Catalans seem to haven’t recovered from their shock Champions League elimination but they have a point to prove against Elche this week.

Despite their disappointing draw against Osasuna, there were a few positives to consider like the young players showing more character. Gavi and Nico Gonzalez combined for a beautiful goal while Abde took the spotlight by scoring his first senior goal for the Catalans.

Luuk de Jong failed to impress once again and it remains to be seen whether Xavi would consider him a starter for Saturday’s clash.

Sergio Aguero’s retirement coupled with the injuries to Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati has deepened the woes of the Catalans. Ousmane Dembele is doubtful for the game after picking up a niggle against Osasuna.

The Catalans will be considered the favourites against struggling Elche due to their impressive record in the past.

Possible Barcelona line-up

Marc Andre ter Stegen; Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, Oscar Mingueza; Nico Gonzalez, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Gavi, Luuk de Jong, Abde Ezzalzouli

Injured: Sergino Dest, Memphis Depay, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Pedri, Ansu Fati and Martin Braithwaite

Doubtful: Ousmane Dembele

Suspended: None

Elche

Elche are coming on the back of a narrow win over Unionistas in Copa del Rey second round and would look to build on it.

However, their league form looks a little worrying as they have managed only one win in their last eight games.

The visitors suffered a 2-1 defeat against Valencia in La Liga last week, with Cristiano Piccini scoring the decisive goal during the closing stages.

Elche would look to avoid further slump as they are within touching distance of the relegation zone.

Possible Elche line-up

Badia; Palacios, Roco, Gonzalez, Barragan; Morente, Marcone, Mascarell, Fidel; Perez, Boye

Injured: Pedro Bigas

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Prediction

Barcelona 2 – 0 Elche