Elche vs Real Sociedad
Spanish La Liga
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2020
Kick-off at 17:30 UK/ 18:30 CET
Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero (Elche).
Match preview Elche vs Real Sociedad
Elche obtained a return to the top flight of Spanish page for the 2020-21 campaign in advancing through the playoffs Segunda Division last season, beating Girona 1-0 on aggregate to the end of August.
Los Franjiverdes last competed at this level in 2014-15, when they finished 13 actually, but were relegated to second place because of unpaid debts to the tax authorities.
Elche were then relegated to the third tier of Spanish football for the 2017-18 campaign, but are now back at the top level and will be desperate to consolidate the top flight in Spain.
side of Jorge Almiron were relatively busy during the transfer window this summer, with Raul and Guti Tete Morente among those arriving, while Juan Cruz and Oscar Gil were among the departures.
They do not begin their championship season but against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy last weekend, a 1-0 defeat to the team of Ronald Koeman to the Nou Camp.
Sociedad, meanwhile, began its 2020-21 campaign in La Liga with a 1-1 draw away to Real Valladolid on September 13 before playing a draw with Real Madrid in the league last weekend.
The Basque outfit will be keen to put three points on the board as soon as possible and see the Saturday night meeting as the perfect opportunity to move five points for the campaign.
Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season, which was enough for a place in the group stage of the Europa League, but they were far enough from the first four, ending the campaign 14 points behind Sevilla.
Side alguazil Imanol had a relatively quiet in terms of transfers, but they won the race to sign the experienced midfielder David Silva from Manchester City, and 34 year old made his debut as second substitute half against Real Madrid last time out.
Elche vs Real Sociedad News Team
Elche boss Jorge Almiron has not too many injuries to worry about this game in mind. Ramon Folch midfielder is set to miss, but otherwise, Elche have a fully fit team.
Out: Ramon Folch
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Unlike their opponents on Saturday, Real Sociedad have a lot of injuries to fear. The Zaldua and Alex Sola Joseba defenders and midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Asier Illarramendi have been eliminated with injuries while Luca Sangalli, Zubeldia and Igor Martin Merquelanz are also doubtful.
Injured: Joseba Zaldua, Alex Sola Martin Zubimendi, Asier Illarramendi
Doubtful: Luca Sangalli, Igor Zubeldia Martin Merquelanz
Suspended: None
Elche vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Saving a defeat for Elche is common practice here, given their newly promoted status. But it should be noted that each of their last four league defeats in here saw just a single goal margin. Thus, it will not be a walk in the park of La Real to their visit.
There will be enough action in the unit, even if a high scoring affair is not promised at the end of the final whistle. Based on their recent scoring spree in the calendar for the tip over 1.5 goals will probably do the trick for bettors.
Elche has the advantage of home field, but it is their first senior game in five years. So, it is too early to tell their form at home. Based on their second place performance, they could make it harder for visitors to take all three points.
Real Sociedad sealed their defense against the defending champions in the last game. It was not until the 40 minute of the game when La Real burst into action. Since Zidane boys have had a hard time breaking this defense, we can expect them to keep that way in Elche too.
Therefore the tip to take any bet on Real Sociedad will probably be the best bet for punters to give decent returns from the meeting.
Elche vs Real Sociedad Betting Tips
Over 1.5 goals @ 1.50 (1/2).
Draw bet: Real Sociedad @ 1.40 (2/5).
