Elche v Barcelona – Betting Preview
Elche Summary
In a mildly surprising move considering their situation, Elche sacked the manager Pablo Machin during the break.
The rock bottom club who has long since been given no real chances to stay up this season, made the move to bring in a former assistant to Jorge Sampaoli as the replacement. A young and unproven Argentine manager called Sebastián Beccaceces is now at the helm.
All of his managerial experience was in South America and so this is a giant step for him and a slight risk for Elche.
However, they have little to lose sitting so far at the bottom of the club and with no real chance of staying up. Indeed, the managerial change during the break has led most to suspect this is a move to see for the future and life in the Spanish Segunda.
Sebastián Beccaceces has brought with him the entire backroom staff and had a week at the club, so Elche will be something of an unknown quantity here.
Although mathematically it’s not completely over just yet, they are 14 points from safety with games running out.
Morale and confidence are low, but one could assume the commitment and desire levels may be improved with the new boss, and facing Barcelona now is the best time to face them. Elche will seek ways to win but also be content with a point.
Team news wise they have key man Pere Milla back from a ban which is good news.
Pape Cheikh and Lucas Boye are however suspended, while Enzo Roco sits out injured.
Magallán can return.
Barcelona Summary
Barcelona leads the La Liga 2022/23 title race by 12 points and already feels like it was won after beating rivals Real Madrid last time out.
Here, they meet an Elche side at the bottom of the table; even more sure of relegation as much as Barcelona is of winning the title.
The Barcelona squad is expected to be quite experimental here, particularly with many international players just returning from their duties abroad.
Beating Madrid 2-1 with a late goal gave them much pleasure to all but secure the trophy in front of their support.
Barcelona’s spirits and confidence are strong, but not at their absolute best due to being knocked out of all UEFA competitions so early this season.
They have spoken about getting the highest points tally possible, but more important for Xavi now, is keeping key men fresh and the team injury free for the Copa del Rey.
This is expected to be a heavily rotated team with men like De Jong, Araujo, Kounde, Balde, and Pedri all rested.
On top of this, the inform Raphina is out banned and Dembele is injured.
The Brazilian was not appreciated too much initially by the fans, but the chart below clearly indicates what a great signing and impact he has been for the club.
Fringe men like Eric García, Jordi Alba, Kessie, Ferran, and Ansu Fati are all expected to begin.
Importantly, some key men do begin including Ter Stegen, Busquets, and Lewandowski.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Elche is the huge underdog to win @ 9.50.
Barcelona may be the lesser motivated of the two and with very negative team news, but still enough to win with the right mindset. Barcelona is @ 1.37. the draw is @ 5.25.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Elche +1.25 is @ 2.02, so they could lose by one goal and still produce a half win for backers in this market.
One feels that with Barcelona -1.25, it will be more a matter of how much they want to win this, and how wiling certain players are to push energy reserves on the back of international action. Barcelona -1.25 is @ 1.82.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. The line is set at 2.75. The Over is @ 1.88 and the Under is @ 1.95.
