Elche will host Real Valladolid at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Wednesday evening in a nail-biting relegation six-pointer that could have a lasting impact on La Liga's drop zone.
A win for either of these two sides could see them haul themselves out of the bottom three.
Match preview
In what has been an overwhelmingly disappointing season for Elche, things could easily get worse for the club with a loss on Wednesday.
Fran Escriba's side have gathered just two points from their last six league games and have gone without a win since their shock victory against Sevilla in March.
Against Osasuna last time out, Escriba's men were roundly beaten 2-0, managing to notch just two shots on target throughout the whole tie.
With games against heavyweights such as Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, Real Sociedad and Levante coming up in the next few weeks, three points this week is integral to the club's La Liga survival bid.
Much like Elche, Real Valladolid have also had a wildly disappointing season, spending the whole campaign in the bottom five.
Valladolid have won just one game in their last 13 league outings and have managed to pick up just two points from their last four games.
Against Granada last time out, Valladolid were beaten 2-1 by the Andalusians, with Fabian Orellana's first-half heroics undone by two late strikes.
If Sergio is to keep the team in the division, the club will have to find a way to get three points from Elche on Wednesday.
- L
- L
- D
- D
- L
- L
- L
- W
- D
- D
- L
- L
Team News
Elche will have to soldier on without Fidel, who is suspended for this tie, while Guido Carrillo is out with a hamstring injury.
Tete Morente, Nino and Luismi are all likely to feature at some point during the 90 minutes.
Valladolid have an injury crisis on their hands with Javi Sanchez, Fede, Jawad El Yamiq, Joaquin Fernandez and Raul Garcia all out injured.
Orellana, Roque Mesa and Toni Villa are all expected to start.
Elche possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Palacios, Calvo, Gonzalez, Mojica; Josan Fernandez, Marcone, Guti, Rigoni; Boye, Pere Milla
Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Masip; Janko, Bruno, Sanchez, Olaza; Villa, Mesa, Ruben Alcaraz, Orellana; Guardiola, Kodro
We say: Elche 2-2 Real Valladolid
A relegation six-pointer this late in proceedings is always a tough one to call, and we think these two outfits will scrap until the last minute. We are going with a 2-2 draw.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
