Elche vs Real Madrid Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Elche have been one of the surprise packages in La Liga this season as they now take on league leaders Real Madrid, who have been put under a bit of pressure ahead of this.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels

How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+

Elche preview: Surprise package Elche

Having gained promotion to the top-flight last season, Elche, under the management of Eder Sarabia, have continued to try and play an entertaining and front foot style as they punch above their weight and even seek a top-half finish in La Liga.

The home team come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad at the Manuel Martinez Valero a couple of weeks ago, denied three points by an 89th minute strike scored by a Mikel Oyarzabal a penalty.

Real Madrid preview: Under pressure league leaders

Xabi Alonso has, generally, enjoyed a very positive start to La Liga with Los Blancos having enjoyed a lot of good results, and a couple of good performances, but they have been underwhelming in recent games and there is now pressure on the manager.

Real Madrid suffered a slender 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League before then being held to a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano in a Madrid derby at Vallecas before the November international break.

Elche team news: Josan out

Elche do have a fresh injury concern for this one as versatile midfielder Josan is an absentee for the hosts. Defender Pedro Bigas is working his way back to full fitness.

Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Matias Dituro; Alvaro Nunez, Affengruber, Victor Chust, Adria Pedrosa; Marcos Aguado; German Valera, Rodri Mendoza, Aleix Febas, Rafa Mir; Alvaro

Unavailable: Josan (Injured)

Questionable: Pedro Bigas (Injured)

Real Madrid team news: Lots of issues

Real Madrid are dealing with a lot of issues this weekend as Thibaut Courtois is a doubt alongside key men such as Dean Huijsen, Aurelien Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe. 

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Alaba, Carreras; Brahim, Guler, Dani Ceballos, Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Unavailable: Militao (Injured), Rudiger (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured)

Questionable: Courtois (Injured), Dean Huijsen (Injured), Tchouameni (Injured), Camavinga (Injured), Fede Valverde (Injured), Mastantuono (Injured), Mbappe (Injured)

Elche vs Real Madrid prediction

Eder Sarabia is known for playing a very entertaining and fluid style of football. They are also a very confident team that will seek to rise to the big occasion, especially in this weekend’s primetime slot on Sunday evening. Madrid have shown signs of frailties of late, but not to the level of the criticism that they have received. Los Blancos have to remain favourites in a game that should be fun for the neutral.

Elche vs Real Madrid tip: Real Madrid to win & both teams to score