Ace Football previews the La Liga game between Barcelona and Elche and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Barcelona might have struggled of late but they are favorites to win tonight.
A 4-1 thrashing from PSG followed by a 1-1 draw to Cadiz means the Catalans are without a win in their last two fixtures.
However, everything points to a win for Barcelona on home turf. Despite a frustrating draw to Cadiz, the Catalans remain on a 13-game unbeaten run in La Liga.
They also take on an Elche side rooted in the relegation zone and with only four wins all season.
With Atletico dropping points again at the weekend, a win for Barcelona will see them move to within five points of the leaders.
All things considered, Ronald Koeman and company are expected to claim a win today.
Barcelona Form and Stats
Barcelona have won seven of their last eight matches in La Liga but have struggled in other competitions.
Ronald Koeman’s side lost 2-0 at Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. The Catalan club bounced back in La Liga with a 5-1 home win against Deportivo Alaves.
Barcelona suffered a 4-1 home defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League. Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot but their leaky defense came back to haunt them.
Barcelona’s last match was a 1-1 draw at home against Cadiz. Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot once again, they had 81% possession and 20-3 shots but conceded an 89th-minute penalty.
Key Team Stats
- Barcelona have won 7 of their last 8 matches (La Liga).
- Barcelona have won by 2+ goals in 9 of their last 10 matches against Elche (all competitions).
- Barcelona have won by 3+ goals in 4 of their last 5 matches against Elche (all competitions).
Elche Form and Stats
Elche are in the relegation zone after only four wins in their opening 20 matches. They hadn’t won in La Liga since 23 October before a 1-0 home win against Eibar on Saturday.
It was Fran Escriba’s first match in charge after replacing Jorge Almiron. It was a fortunate victory after seeing way less of the ball.
Elche face a tough task in Barcelona after losing four of their last five away matches in La Liga.
Key Team Stats
- Elche have failed to score in their last 11 matches against Barcelona (all competitions).
- Elche have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches (La Liga).
- Elche have failed to score in 3 of their last 6 away matches (La Liga).
Team News
Barcelona: Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati (all injured)
Elche: Ivan Marcone (suspended). Diego Gonzalez (doubt). Fidel and Victor Rodriguez (injured).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Head-to-Head
Barcelona have a 25-8 advantage against Elche with 12 draws in 45 matches.
Barcelona have won 9 of the last 10 encounters and Elche have failed to score in the last 11 meetings.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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