Barcelona kick off their La Liga season with a trip to the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. Elche are hoping to cause an upset, following a summer of big changes.
Anselmi looking to build on solid start as Elche boss
Elche were the underdogs for their trip to Deportivo La Coruña on Monday, but they had marginally the better of the contest and secured a 1-1 draw thanks to Marc Aguado’s late strike. Martín Anselmi is unlikely to make major changes after a positive display.
Los Franjiverdes had 62% of the ball last time out and set up with three central defenders. That suggests the recently appointed Anselmi will continue with his predecessor's possession-based approach.
Gonzalo Villar will have a key role to play in central midfield. He made 60 accurate passes and registered an assist against Depor. The 28-year-old is set to start for the hosts, who are missing Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago to injuries.
Elche predicted lineup vs Barcelona (3-4-2-1): Dituro; Affengruber, Redondo, Chust; Sangaré, Villar, Aguado, Valera; Cepeda, Houary; Niño.
Barcelona to hold some of their World Cup stars back
There is far more uncertainty at Barcelona and their starting lineup, given many of their players have barely featured in pre-season. Spain internationals Pedri, Pau Cubarsí and Dani Olmo are unlikely to start following their recent World Cup triumph.
The same goes for Rodri, who completed a €60m move to the Catalan club from Manchester City earlier this week. That should create opportunities for the likes of Marc Bernal and Fermín López in midfield.
Lamine Yamal’s importance to the side is so great that he will feature from the off. The 19-year-old registered 16 goals and 11 assists in 28 league appearances last season. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji are confirmed injury absentees.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Elche (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Christensen, Martín, Balde; Bernal, Gavi; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; Abdelkarim.
Elche vs Barcelona Prediction
- Safe Tip: Under 4.5 goals
- Odds: 1.25 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Elche 1-2 Barcelona
- 22Bet Booking Code: GFXUX
Key stats:
- The previous five meetings between these clubs have finished with four or fewer goals.
- Elche have only netted three times across their previous five clashes with Barcelona.
- None of Barça’s final eight competitive fixtures last season ended with more than four goals.
Currently, Barcelona don’t have a senior striker, after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Youngster Hamza Abdelkarim could start, but they’re unlikely to be at their most clinical up front.
Elche were defensively solid on matchday one. They only faced eight shots and didn’t allow a single big chance at the Riazor. They’ll be conservative in this encounter, with their wing-backs dropping in to form a back five at times.
Given that, backing under 4.5 goals is the smart bet.
Elche vs Barcelona Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: First half - Elche to win or draw
- Odds: 1.98 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: MNVUX
Elche offer value at odds of 1.98 to be at least level at the interval. They scored in the first half of each of their clashes against Barcelona last season and are on an eight-game unbeaten run, including friendlies.
With the visitors expected to leave several key players on the bench, Anselmi’s men will be competitive in the opening stages of this contest.
Verdict: Under 4.5 goals (1.25) — Elche 1-2 Barcelona
