Elche host Villarreal at the Martínez Valero Stadium on Saturday in La Liga action. The Green-striped ones are unbeaten at home this season, winning five and drawing four of their nine matches, and they will look to continue their excellent form after a 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Villarreal, fourth in the table with 35 points, have won six of their last seven league matches, although that run ended with a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona. The Catalans followed up with a 3-1 win over Elche, where Yamal and Rashford impressed, while Real Madrid were held to a chaotic draw after fighting back twice against a fearless Elche side.
Softfootball reported that both teams will be eager to claim three points, with Elche hoping to maintain their home dominance and Villarreal aiming to keep pace with the top teams. Elche already posted this clash on their official X handle.
Team News
Elche will be without on-loan Barcelona defender Hector Fort due to a dislocated shoulder. Andre Silva and Grady Diangana are also out, while Federico Redonda is suspended. Alvaro Rodriguez, who scored against Rayo Vallecano, is expected to continue leading the attack alongside Rafa Mir.
Villarreal will miss Tajon Buchanan and Renato Veiga through suspension, and Ilias Akhomach and Pape Gueye are at the Africa Cup of Nations. Alfonso Pedraza, Santiago Mourino, Thomas Partey, Pau Cabanes, Willy Kambwala, and Logan Costa could also miss out, though Juan Foyth may feature. Georges Mikautadze and Nicolas Pepe are expected to start in the final third for the visitors.
Possible Lineups
Elche: Pena; Donald, Affengruber, Bigas; Neto, Nunez, Aguado, Febas, Valera; Rodriguez, Mir
Villarreal: Luiz Junior; Navarro, Marin, Foyth, Cardona; Pepe, Comesana, Parejo, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Perez
Softfootball Prediction
Elche 1-1 Villarreal. Elche’s strong home form makes them tough to beat, while Villarreal’s recent La Liga form suggests they can challenge for a point. Expect a closely contested match with both teams sharing the spoils.
