Elche vs Real Sociedad Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Elche have been very enterprising to watch following their promotion to the Spanish top-flight last season as they welcome Real Sociedad to Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
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 / Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Elche preview: Entertaining Elche
Following their promotion to the top-flight last season, Elche have been the surprise package in La Liga under the management of Eder Sarabia, as they begin the weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the top-half of the table.
However, the home team do come into this one on the back of a 3-1 defeat to defending champions Barcelona at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys last weekend, with Rafa Mir getting on the scoresheet for Elche.
Real Sociedad preview: Finding some form
Over the summer, long-term manager Imanol Alguacil departed Real Sociedad for Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab and he was replaced by another B team coach, Sergio Francisco, and they struggled badly at the start of the season.
La Real, though, come into this one on the back of three successive victories across all competitions. They most recently defeated Athletic Club by three goals to two in the Basque derby, with a late winner scored in second-half stoppage-time.
Elche team news: Pedro Bigas a doubt
Elche have no fresh confirmed absentees for this one but versatile 35-year-old defender Pedro Bigas is now a doubt for the home team, dealing with a slight injury issue.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Inaki Pena; Alvaro Nunez, Affengruber, Petrot, Adria Pedrosa; Marcos Aguado; German Valera, Neto, Aleix Febas, Rafa Mir; Silva
Unavailable:
Questionable: Pedro Bigas (Injured)
Real Sociedad team news: Fresh doubts
Real Sociedad have a few fresh injury doubts for this weekend as key winger Ander Barrenetxea is potentially sidelined alongside Armenia international Arsen Zakharyan.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jon Martin, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gomez; Guedes, Jon Gorrotxategi, Carlos Soler, Kubo; Brais Mendez; Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Oskarsson (Injured)
Questionable: Yangel Herrera (Injured), Inaki Ruperez (Injured), Jon Karrikaburu (Injured), Ander Barrenetxea (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured)
Elche vs Real Sociedad prediction
With a front foot and possession-based style of football, Elche will be expected to take the game to Real Sociedad with their home advantage. However, the abundance of attacking options that the Basque giants have at their disposal means that they should always be a threat going the other way and they are beginning to improve as La Liga goes on. As a result, this should be quite a fun watch for the neutral in the Community of Valencia.
Elche vs Real Sociedad tip: Both teams to score
