When Barcelona takes on Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday afternoon, they will be looking to make it three wins in a row in La Liga.
Elche is presently 13th in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone. The Catalan giants are currently fourth in the table, one point behind third-placed Real Betis with a game in hand.
Team News
Elche
- Elche will be without Javier Pastore, John Donald, and Helibelton Palacios again this weekend due to injuries, while Gerard Gumbau will miss the game due to suspension.
- Raul Guti might replace Gumbau in the middle of the field, while Fidel could replace Guido Carrillo out wide, with Pere Milla going further forward.
- Francisco is unlikely to make wholesale changes from the team that started against Levante, with the same back four expected to start the match.
Barcelona
- Barcelona is still without Alejandro Balde, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, and Samuel Umtiti due to injury, but the visitors are otherwise in good shape.
- Jordi Alba is expected to return from a one-match suspension and start at left-back, with Sergino Dest likely to return to right-back and Frenkie de Jong returning to central midfield.
- Last time out, Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay, and Luuk de Jong all scored off the bench against Athletic, and the trio is expected to be among the replacements again, with Aubameyang set to be joined by Adama Traore and Ferran Torres in the final third.
Prediction Analysis
Elche’s recent home form has been outstanding, and this must be taken into account when predicting this match, but we’re finding it difficult to bet against Barcelona, who have been in excellent form recently. It could be a close game, but on Sunday afternoon, the visitors should have the upper hand.
Our prediction is Elche 1-2 Barcelona
Possible Lineup
Elche: Morente, Mascarell, Guti, Fidel; Milla, Boye; Barragan, Roco, Bigas, Mojica
Barcelona: F de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Traore, Aubameyang, Torres; Ter Stegen, Dest, Araujo, Pique, Alba;