Elche vs Celta Vigo Predictions & Match Preview

Elche vs Celta Vigo predictions and match preview for Friday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as two struggling teams meet.

Elche vs Celta Vigo Preview

Elche and Celta Vigo clash in the first game of matchday 16 in LaLiga. This is a really important game for both teams who are looking for something to build from under new coaches. Both lost in the cup in midweek and both have just 3 points from their last 8 league outings, the worst two records in the division so a win would be huge for either team here.

Elche’s plight already feels close to terminal with just 4 points from 15 games giving Pablo Machin, their third coach of the season already, an absolute mountain to climb. If they could end their winless start here, they would at least close the gap to safety to 6 points. That would offer a glimmer of hope, particularly with 2nd bottom Cadiz up next and already these two fixtures feel like “make or break” games if Elche are even going to compete for survival.

It’s difficult to read too much into the impact Machin has had so far. Their only league fixture under his guidance to date was away to Atletico Madrid, a game that ended in a 2-0 defeat. They did win one cup tie before falling at lowly Ceuta in midweek, although Machin did opt to leave the likes of Lucas Boye and Pere Milla on the bench for that one with Ezequiel Ponce’s red card also contributing to their exit.

Celta Vigo were also dumped out of the Copa del Rey. While they were up against top flight opposition in the shape of Espanyol, their exit was almost as disappointing with a horror-show from goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín a big factor in their 3-1 loss at the RCDE Stadium. Carlos Carvalhal also opted to rest players and will recall the likes of Iago Aspas and Javi Galan to the eleven here.

There were a few more encouraging signs in the 1-1 draw with Sevilla in their last league game with Celta creating the better opportunities. However they are still winless in the league under Carvalhal and the recently appointed boss will have plenty to ponder heading into this. One of his main dilemmas will be whether to stick with misfiring Jorgen Strand Larsen who is yet to score in 11 league appearances or whether to recall Gonçalo Paciência to partner Aspas with the Portuguese forward on target in the cup in midweek.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Elche

Possible XI: Badia – Diego, Bigas, Palacios – Clerc, Gumbau, Mascarell, Morente – Milla – Roger, Boye (3-4-1-2)

Coach: Pablo Machin

Celta