On Saturday night, La Liga leaders Barcelona visit bottom-of-the-table Elche as the visitors look to move a step closer to sealing the Spanish top-flight title.
Elche form guideThe home side has a new man in charge in the shape of Argentinian head coach Sebastian Beccacece. The former Independiente boss has an almost impossible job on his hands to save Elche from the drop. His team are 14 points from safety after a woeful campaign.
They go into this clash on the back of four defeats in their last six outings in the Spanish top flight, including suffering a 2-0 loss in San Sebastian against Real Sociedad last time out.
Elche’s recent home record in La Liga is poor, as they have won just once in their last 13 home matches in the Spanish top flight.
Barcelona form guideThe Catalan giants moved closer to claiming the Spanish crown last time out, as they defeated nemesis and title rivals Real Madrid 2-1 last time out in El Clasico. The victory moved the Blaugrana 12 points clear of Los Blancos at the top of the table.
Barcelona’s form has been near to impeccable of late in La Liga, as they have won ten of their previous 11 league games. The only blip was a shock 1-0 defeat at strugglers Almeria.
Xavi Hernandez’s team also has a stellar recent away record in the Spanish top flight, winning seven of their last eight matches in La Liga. Their recent away games in the league have been low-scoring, though, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous six outings.
Latest team newsElche looks set to be without Alex Collado and John Donald due to injury. Barcelona will be without the suspended Raphinha, with Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen also all possibly missing out through injury.
What am I backing?Elche may have a new man in charge, but it is difficult to back against Barcelona going one win closer to clinching the Spanish title.
