New start with a new coach?
The first heads are rolling in the Segunda. After a strong start to the season, the hosts experienced a slump and thus a change of coach. Everything should now be better with the new coach. However, the visitors are hoping for the same, even without a change of manager. Overall, however, betting tip 1 is more likely for Espanyol Barcelona against Elche
In purely nominal terms, this should be a duel between the top teams. After being relegated together in the previous season, their market value is clearly higher than the rest of the division. That’s why Perico’s performance has been particularly weak so far. However, the betting odds for Espanyol Barcelona against Elche predict a turnaround
However, the form curves do not really correspond to this assessment. While the Catalans have picked up just four points from their last five games after a strong start to the season, the men from Alicante have eleven.
Now, however, the blue and white are set to turn things around. The bookmakers are predicting an increase in points for the home side in Espanyol Barcelona v Elche
Espanyol Barcelona – Statistics & current form
The Pericos had a crash landing last year. Relegation was followed by promotion, followed by relegation, followed by ‘relegation’.
The fans of the “other” club from Barcelona are going through a tough phase. Not only are they constantly playing second fiddle to their unloved neighbors, but things are also going wrong internally at their own club
The club has lacked a sensible perspective for years. Above all, the management, centered around the Chinese owner, shows little knowledge of the matter. As a result, leading positions are repeatedly occupied by ex-players who also don’t shine with their skills
The result is a squad that, regardless of defensive problems and a lack of concentration, goes through life virtually unpunished. The departures of Raul de Tomás (Rayo) and last-minute replacement Martin Braithwaite (Barca) are emblematic of the lack of planning
The new broom sweeps well?
Now Luis Miguel Ramis is set to make another ascent. As coach of Real’s B team in 2016 (promotion from the Segunda B), he proved that he can do this. This was followed by spells at Almería (2017), Albacete (2018-2020) and Tenerife (2020-2023).
There were no more titles, but the win rate gradually increased. However, Espanyol must now take a big step if they are to achieve promotion. With the most expensive squad in the league and an average age of 27.0, there should also be enough experience.
The question is whether he can also solve the defensive problem. With Leandro Cabrera (32), Fernando Calero (28), Sergi Gómez (31) and Brian Oliván (29), the defense is actually in its prime.
However, the last three games under predecessor Luis García are emblematic of the lack of performance. They were beaten several times against Leganés (0:1), Gijón (0:2) and Eibar (2:2). Shortly after the break, shortly before the break or right at the end.
So, as in the previous year, the necessary concentration is lacking. At least so far! It will be exciting to see whether the enormous potential can finally be put on the road.
Predicted Espanyol Barcelona line-up:
Elche – Statistics & current form
The visitors from the Valencia region have had a solid campaign so far. Especially after last season in the Primera, this is balm for the maltreated souls of the fans.
The men from Alicante have been particularly efficient in their performances. After 15 games, they have 23 points with 14:15 goals. This yield of negative goals clearly shows the visitors’ strongest weapon.
However, a certain trend is emerging. While the start of the season was still weak, they have slowly become accustomed to the new league. Eleven out of a possible 15 points and 7:3 goals show a clear upswing. This is mainly due to clever transfer management.
Top additions Óscar Plano (Valladolid), Nicolás Castro (Genk), Borja Garcés (Atletico) and Sergio León (Valladolid) have scored eight goals between them. This means that more than half of the production comes from the new producers.
The defense is not at the top level?
The visitors’ biggest problem, however, is not their attack but their defense. With 15 goals conceded in 15 games, there are too many goals for a top position. Now they face a date with the second-best offense in the league. That’s why the odds tend to favor the Catalans in Espanyol Barcelona vs Elche
Although the last few games have been a ray of hope, the church should remain in the village. Zaragoza (2:0), Albacete (1:1), Tenerife (2:1), Huesca (1:0) and Eldense (1:1) were opponents from tenth, 17th, eighth, 20th and twelfth place.
In contrast, there was far less to be gained against teams from the current top five. Although there was a win against Leganés (1:0), there were also defeats against Eibar (1:2) and Gijón (0:2). Espanyol are nominally the biggest fish in the league. If they can live up to their potential, it will be a tough trip for the visitors.
Predicted line-up of Elche:
Espanyol Barcelona – Elche head-to-head comparison / H2H result
In the last ten games, the direct duel has gone 4 (Espanyol) – 3 (Elche) – 3 (draw). There has not been a single 0-0 draw with 17-14 goals scored. If this series continues, it will most likely have to do with the hosts’ rather potent forward line. This also explains why Espanyol Barcelona are favorites against Elche according to the odds
Espanyol Barcelona – Elche betting tip
According to the pure market value, a prediction of a home win for Espanyol Barcelona against Elche should be realistic. However, the last few games have shown that it’s not just about that. With a new coach in charge, there is hope for Barcelona again
For us, Espanyol Barcelona vs Elche is tip 1. The Pericos are difficult to break down, especially on home turf. The fans remain loyal to the team, despite the poor last few years.
