Barcelona will host Elche at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday at 11:30 PM as they aim to return to winning ways in Spain’s top league. Currently, the Catalan side sits second in the La Liga table, five points behind leaders Real Madrid, while Elche, who had a strong start to the season, are in eighth place.
Match Preview: Form and Historical Stats
Barcelona have lost two of their last three league games, including a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in last week’s El Clásico. This result has left them five points behind Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s team faces pressure to get back on a winning run on Sunday, as a defeat could leave them eight points behind the league leaders.
This season, Barcelona have won seven of their 10 league matches, drawn one, and lost two. With 25 goals scored, they are the league’s top scorers. In the Champions League, they have won two of three matches (defeating Newcastle United and Olympiacos, while losing to Paris Saint-Germain). A win in this league match is crucial ahead of their Champions League fixture against Club Brugge on November 5.
Head-to-Head Record
Out of the previous 55 encounters against Elche, Barcelona have won 34 and lost just nine. At home, they have never been beaten by Elche. Barcelona have won their last 10 matches against Elche, including 3-0 and 4-0 victories in the last two encounters of the 2022-23 La Liga season.
Elche’s Situation
Since being promoted from Segunda División, Elche have performed better than expected this season. With 14 points from 10 matches (three wins, five draws, and two losses), they sit eighth in the table. They enter this match after a 4-0 win against UD Los Garres in the Copa del Rey but suffered a 1-0 league defeat to Espanyol last week. Elche have won only one of their last five league matches and are yet to secure an away win this season. A victory here would mark their first-ever away win against Barcelona.
Form in Last Six La Liga Matches
Barcelona: W W W L W L
Elche: W D W L D L
Team News: Injuries and Squad Updates
Barcelona:
Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training after injuries and are expected to be in the squad. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia is recovering from a knee injury but will not be rushed back.
Confirmed absentees: Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, and Pedri. Marc Casado could get a chance due to Pedri’s absence. Lamine Yamal has some concern over a persistent groin issue but is expected to start in this must-win match.
Elche:
Elche have no injury concerns and can field a full-strength squad. Head coach Eder Sarabia will make changes from the Copa del Rey lineup, but Andre Silva, the team’s top scorer this season with four goals, will retain a place in attack. Hector Fort, on loan from Barcelona, is available but likely to start on the bench.
Probable Lineups
Barcelona: Cillessen; Kounde, Kvaratskhelia, E. Garcia, Balde; Casado, De Jong; Yamal, F. Lopez, Rashford; Torres.
Elche: Pena; Chust, Affengruber, Bigas; Nunez, Mendoza, Febas, Aguado, Valera; Silva, Mir.
Prediction
Elche could make life difficult for an injury-hit Barcelona, but the Catalans have enough quality to secure the important three points.
Forecast: Barcelona 3-1 Elche