Elche - Valencia    (lost)

Last year Elche did an outstanding season in the second league dominating the category and being very consistent at home (only one match lost) which was crucial to gain promotion. Their performance this season, being the first one in the La Liga, should be considered acceptable with a current 13^th place in the table. However, at home there has been a kind of reality check as their results are quite modest so far: 1-2-3 (4-6 in goals) having lost the last two home games. They are much more comfortable away where a good defensive organization and an associative offensive system have earned them some important points in difficult stadiums such as Getafe, Bilbao, Celta or Betis.  Some weeks ago they have lost their main offensive reference (Manu del Moral) due to injury and for this match they will have several other casualties. Midfielders Carlos Gil (on loan from Valencia and thus ineligible to play), Aaron Ñiguez and Ruber Perez (both suspended) will sit this one out. On the upside LB Albacar and CB Lomban will return after long term injury.

Valencia has been irregular since the start of the season. New coach Djukic is struggling to find a regular starting XI due to injuries and lack of form from several players. He was on the verge of being sacked several times and his place is still insecure which makes every match a stressful one for him. Every time Valencia manages to win a couple of games seeming that they are finally on the right track, then a poor performance takes place ruining all the momentum created. There is a special pressure in the home games where the fans have been showing their discomfort with recent results and displays. They have won their two last away matches against St Gallen (for EL) and Getafe and they are favourites to grab the 3 points here. Offensive players such as Canales, Piatti, Parejo, Feghouli, Cartabia, Postiga all of them have been benched several times which reveals the depth in quality that Valencia has in its ranksnot to mention Jonas and Pabon. I believe that the majority of Valencia’s players that will sit on the bench for this match will have a place in the starting XI of Elche. Djukic will have all his regulars available for this match (Guardado returns after injury) with the exception of GK Guaita who normally is rotating with Diego Alves. No big worries there.

Valencia is the best team here despite their inconsistent recent run. Better team, higher quality players and much more experience. With a severely depleted Elche especially in the midfield I find quite probable that they take the 3 points from the Martinez Valero this weekend.