Elche CF welcome fellow relegation battlers Deportivo Alavés in a massive La Liga relegation showdown that could prove decisive in the survival race.

Elche head into this crucial encounter sitting just two points above the relegation zone after suffering a 3-1 defeat away to RC Celta de Vigo last weekend. Despite that setback, Eder Sarabia’s side have shown strong form recently, winning four of their previous five league matches before the loss in Vigo.

Their home form has been the key factor keeping them above the bottom three. Elche have collected 31 points at home this season, with only a handful of La Liga sides boasting a better home record. Impressively, both of their home defeats came against teams currently in the top three.

Alavés arrive under serious pressure after a damaging 4-2 defeat to Athletic Club, a result that left them inside the relegation zone. The Basque side have managed just two wins in their last 12 league matches and now face an uphill battle to avoid relegation.

Their away form offers little encouragement either, with ten defeats in their last 15 La Liga away fixtures. With a difficult clash against FC Barcelona looming next, avoiding defeat here is absolutely crucial.

Team News

Elche could welcome back Rafa Mir after the striker missed their defeat to Celta Vigo. Álvaro Rodríguez remains one of the hosts’ biggest attacking threats, leading the club for goal involvements this season.

Alavés will be without suspended midfielder Carles Aleñá, while Lucas Boyé remains a doubt after missing the previous match. Antonio Blanco is expected to play a key role in midfield despite disciplinary concerns.

Head-to-Head Record

Alavés won the reverse fixture 3-1 and are aiming to complete their first league double over Elche since the 2004/05 campaign. However, recent meetings hosted by Elche have generally been tight and low-scoring affairs.

Elche vs Alavés Betting Tips

• Under 2.5 Goals
• Both Teams To Score – No
• Elche to Win
• Correct Score: Elche 1-0 Alavés

Elche vs Alavés Prediction

Elche’s excellent home form against lower-half opposition gives them a major advantage heading into this relegation six-pointer. The hosts have consistently defended well at home and rarely concede against struggling teams.

Alavés continue to battle defensive instability and poor away form, which could prove costly once again. Expect a tense and tactical encounter where one goal may be enough to separate the sides.

Predicted Score

Elche 1-0 Alavés

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