Real Madrid v Elche – Betting Preview
Real Madrid Summary
Real Madrid comes into the game on a massive low point in domestic form and in massive need of a win to keep any shred of hope alive of a title challenge.
The mood around the club has been one of frustration and disappointment since The World cup, stemming mainly from the super cup loss to Barcelona and subsequent dropped points versus clubs like Mallorca, Sociedad, and Villarreal.
Barcelona won last weekend while Real Madrid were in Saudi Arabia, extending the lead at the top to 11 points. It was a big disappointment for Madrid as Barcelona overcame Villarreal away from home, a club which had taken 3 points from themselves recently. This news has eroded the hope they had of being able to claw back some ground on their rivals and the league leaders.
A win here against basement club Elche is expected and anything less is a disaster. It is the game in hand and cuts the lead from Barcelona back down to 8 points.
Ancelotti is newly without key men Kroos and Courtois due to injury while their best player Vini Junior is out banned.
The suspension of the Brazilian winger is the most crucial and harmful of those absences, leaving a much less dangerous attack.
Mendy and Hazard are also out.
Elche Summary
Bottom club Elche ironically won their first game of the season within days of for the first time, declaring that they were resigned to preparing themselves for life in the Segunda division.
The win against local rivals Villarreal was a massive confidence boost and much needed, but they’re still playing for pride as they are sitting double figures away from safety.
Elche had looked like a sorry team and was quick to give up in Seville two weeks back, but the sense is that the Villarreal 3-1 victory will breath competitive life back into the club.
Team news is not great for Elche in a game they have little pressure but will be competitive while the score is level at least.
Pablo Machin has Pedro Bigas back from a ban, but they have two new suspensions while key playmaker Pere Milla is missing due to a knock. The suspension to the left footed wizard, one of their few quality players is a huge miss and leaves them with even less chances of getting a positive result in the capital.
Pablo Machín has both Palacios and the more regular Omar Mascarell suspended, while John Chetauya remains out injured along with Jony Alamo and Alex Collado.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. The home side Real Madrid is a massive favourite @ 1.21 to win. Elche would be delighted with a draw and that is @ 8.50. Elche winning is @ 16.00.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Real Madrid are missing Vini Junior and the Brazilian winger being out leaves a weaker goal threat. For this opponent however, they have more than enough to rack in 3 or more goals if they play their best. Madrid -2 @ 1.94 would still be a preference. Elche +2 is @ 1.920.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all. The overs here is likely reliant on Real Madrid not only scoring 3 or more goals, but possibly being relaxed in defence too, allowing Elche a consolation goal at some stage. The line has moved from 3 to 3.25, this perhaps with news Benzema is fit and Courtois out, both good news for over backers. Over 3.25 is @ 2.03 and Under is @ 1.81. It is the sort of match Madrid will go 3 or 4 goals ahead and then sit back and drop all their intensity, so lots of goals would not shock.
