Elche v Real Madrid: Line-ups, stats and preview
Real Madrid go to Elche tomorrow. Read our in-depth preview here...
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Preview for Elche v Real Madrid
Newly promoted Elche have surprised a few people on their return to the top flight and they aim to take their biggest scalp yet tomorrow when Real Madrid come to town.
Eder Sarabia’s side sit 11th in La Liga and have not yet tasted defeat at their Estadio Martínez Valero.
Sarabia is realistic about the longer-term aspirations of the two clubs but he is confident the current league-leaders will not have it all their own way tomorrow.
He said: “As we said on the day of the Barcelona game, they will probably finish ahead of us in La Liga.
“It’s normal for them to win more… but in a single game, in front of our fans, with our weapons and determination, of course, it can happen.
“We are going to stand up to them and make things difficult for them. We have the resources to do so.
“We’re going to need an almost perfect game, and we believe we can do it. We’re in great form, both individually and collectively, and we’ve got almost all our players back.
“We’re going to give it our all to achieve something historic.”
Asked where Madrid’s dangers lie, he added: “[Kylian] Mbappe is surely the player to watch out for because of his accuracy in front of goal, but they’re all very good. I think Vinicius Jr is incredible.
“As for a soft spot… I think Arda Guler is a tremendous player.”
Madrid’s lead at the summit was cut to three points following the goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano prior to the international break, a result that followed on from a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Champions League.
Xabi Alonso has been widely praised for the work he has done so far at the Bernabeu but defeat here and the Madrid press will start to crank up the pressure on the former Spain midfielder.
Team News for Elche v Real Madrid
Veteran right-winger Josan is out for Elche with muscle discomfort, but defender or midfielder Pedro Bigas and defensive midfielder John are available, having been injury doubts.
Madrid are without defenders Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal, but Dean Huijsen is expected to be fit to partner Raul Asencio at the heart of the back four.
Midfielders Franco Mastantuono and Aurelien Tchouameni could return on the bench.
Predicted line-ups for Elche v Real Madrid
Elche: Dituro; Nunez, Affengruber, Chust, Pedrosa; Aguado; Josan, Febas, Mendoza, Mir; A Rodriguez
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Valverde, Guler; Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
How to watch Elche v Real Madrid: TV and online streams
Elche versus Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night. You can watch it on Premier Sports 1.
It can also be viewed on the bet365 website and app.
Stats for Elche v Real Madrid
- Elche have not won in La Liga since the end of September
- Elche have not beaten Real Madrid since 1978
- Madrid have won 35 of 53 meetings between the two clubs
Prediction for Elche v Real Madrid
Elche
Real Madrid
This will be far from straightforward for Madrid with Elche, and the home support, set to be hyped up for the occasion.
Days like this are the reason why promotion was celebrated so wildly.
However, Madrid’s class ought to tell eventually but don’t be surprised if it comes late.
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