Elche vs Real Madrid – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Prediction | La Liga 2022-23

Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid against Valencia CF-LaLigajpg
Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid against Valencia CF-LaLigajpg

Top meets bottom in La Liga this Wednesday as Real Madrid travel to Estadio Manuel Martínez Valeroto to face struggling Elche.

Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero 

Key Statistics

Elche are winless in nine La Liga games (D3, L6).

The hosts have conceded the most goals in La Liga this season (21).

They have scored just six times in the league. Only Cadiz (4) have scored fewer goals.

Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 16 competitive games (W14, D3).

They have won their last five league away games.

The visitors have scored 2+ goals in each of their last five away league games.

They have scored the most goals in the league this season (22).

Head to head

Real Madrid have not lost to Elche in their nine meetings in all competitions (W6, D3).

Latest performances in all competitions

Elche: D-D-L-L-L

Real Madrid: W-D-W-W-D

Elche

Elche will play host to champions Real Madrid at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, as they continue their search for a first win in La Liga this season. 

Elche sit rock bottom in the La Liga standings, with three points after nine rounds of La Liga football. 

Following the loss to Rayo Vallecano in game-week seven, Francisco Escriba was relieved of his duties, a decision that was seen coming from some way down the road, as Francisco had managed just one point from seven games, with the worst defence in the league and the second worst attack in La Liga.

Jorge Almiron returned for a second stint in the dugout after resigning in 2021. The Argentine coach has kicked off his second stint with two straight draws, including an encouraging 2-2 draw with Valencia last weekend. 

However, Los Franjiverdes will face a daunting task when they take on Real Madrid. But following their two-game unbeaten streak, Elche come into this game in their best shape so far this season. 

Possible Elche starting line-up

Edgar Badia; Josan, Helibelton Palacios, Gonzalez Verdu, Enzo Roco, Carlos Clerc; Alex Collado, Raul Guti, Omar Mascerell, Tete Morente; Pere Milla.

Injured: Fidel, Pedro Bigas

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

Real Madrid 

Real Madrid continued their impressive start to the season with another dominant win over Barcelona in the El Classico last Sunday. 

Goals from Karim Benzema, Fede Valverde and Rodrygo Goes ensured that Los Blancos reclaimed the top spot from the Catalans who got a consolation goal from Substitute Ferran Torres. 

The win over Xavi Hernandez’s side took Real Madrid three points clear of the Blaugrana and extended their unbeaten run in La Liga to nine. Also, Los Blancos quashed any rumours of a title challenge by Xavi’s men with their dominant win in the El Classico, at least for the time being. And barring a drastic change in fortunes, Carlo Ancelotti’s side knows very well that the league remains theirs to lose. 

However, with the season still relatively young and the World Cup around the corner, Real Madrid can ill afford any dropped points, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti will not want his side to take their foot off the gas when they take on Elche. The Italian coach, therefore, will be expected to name another strong squad as they chase their ninth win in the Spanish top-flight this season. 

Possible Real Madrid starting line-up

Andriy Lunin; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde; Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Karim Benzema.

Injured: Daniel Ceballos, Thibaut Courtois

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Prediction

Elche 1-3 Real Madrid