Sports Mole discusses newly-promoted Elche's chances of success in the new La Liga season.
Elche earned the right to play La Liga football this season after storming to the Segunda Division title in the previous campaign.
They won 23 of their 42 matches, securing 82 points in the process, a total which left them five points clear of nearest challenges Villarreal.
Here, Sports Mole discusses whether the club can remain clear of the relegation zone in their first top-flight campaign since 1988.
In: David Lomban (Barcelona), Alberto Botia (Sevilla – Loan), Ruben Perez (Atletico Madrid – Loan), Domingo Cisma (Atletico Madrid), Miroslav Stevanovic (Sevilla – Loan), Manu del Moral (Sevilla – Loan), Tono (Granada), Cristian Sapunaru (Real Zaragoza), Carles Gil (Valencia – Loan), Carlos Sanchez (Rangers)
Out: Leandro (Levante), Xabier Etxeita (Athletic Bilbao), Jordi Xumetra (Levante), Miguel Palanca (Numancia), Miguel Linares (Huelva), Pelayo (Cordoba – Loan), Hector Verdes (Alcorcon), Javier Flano (Mirandes), Diego Rivas (Eibar – Loan)
Last season: Segunda Division, First
Manager: Fran Escriba
Three key players:
Ruben Perez: Escriba pulled off a real coup when the Elche boss convinced Perez to join the newly-promoted side on loan this season. The 24-year-old, who came through the youth system at Atletico Madrid, has made just one first-team appearance for the capital outfit, which does seem strange when taking into account his vast talent. He has spent each of the last three seasons on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, Getafe and Real Betis respectively, with his performances last season one of the main reasons why Betis were able to enjoy such a successful campaign. Instead of battle for a first-team spot at Atletico this season, the Spaniard instead decided to join Elche, where minutes will be guaranteed. If Elche can find a way to bring out Perez's talent, then there is no question that he will emerge into a key player in the new campaign.
Alberto Botia: Sevilla are hardly blessed with a number of quality central defenders, which makes it all the more strange that Botia was allowed to leave the club on loan this summer. A permanent transfer had been discussed for a player that appeared just twice in the league last season, but Elche were instead forced to settle for a season-long loan for the centre-back. Botia certainly has a good pedigree having come through the Barcelona youth system, while he made one first-team appearance during his time at the Catalan outfit. At the age of 24, Botia has time on his side, while his impressive 6ft 2inch frame will provide Elche with a physical presence in the new season. It was important that the club added genuine defensive quality this summer, which they have managed to do in the shape of the former Spain Under-21 international.
Manu Herrera: No goalkeeper in the Segunda Division conceded fewer than Herrera last season, with the Spanish stopper conceding just 25 goals in 39 games for the club – one of the main reasons why they were able to secure a position in the top flight of Spanish football. To put it plainly, the 31-year-old will be under constant pressure in every game next season, especially away from home. He is not one of the taller goalkeepers in the division at just under 6ft, but he does possess the ability to play from the back, which makes him a key member of the Elche side. He became a constant fixture in the team after joining from Alcorcon last summer, while he has plenty of pedigree having begun his career with Real Madrid, appearing for their C side in the 2000-2001 season.
First game: Rayo Vallecano (A) Aug 19
Sports Mole says: Elche have certainly boosted their squad this summer with a number of players arriving with genuine experience at this level of football. Manu del Moral, Miroslav Stevanovic and Alberto Botia were all allowed to join on loan from Sevilla, while Ruben Perez will provide quality in the middle of the park. They have also managed to keep the bulk of their side from last season together, which should stand them in good stead. However, you have to worry about their lack of goals. They scored just 54 times in their 42 league games last season, which was 14 less than Villarreal and 18 less than Almeria. To put it into context, Huesca, who were relegated, scored just eight fewer than Elche. Their defensive record allowed them to top the league, but they will not be able to boast such an impressive goals against tally this season. Unless they pick up a regular goalscorer in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, it could be a difficult season.
Predicted finish: 19th
