Monday at 8pm Elche are home to old adversaries Valladolid from Castile and Lyon region. After Elche beating the visitors in the semi-finals of the play-offs two years ago (subsequently losing on away goals to Granada in the final) Valladolid were themselves promoted the following year, and now the two meet in La Liga.
The guests are one point ahead of Elche with three from three games, courtesy of their one win against Getafe, but with two losses, the Illicitanos have two points from two draws and one loss.
It has been a busy and sometimes frustrating close season for Elche, trying to attract the necessary class and experience to the City of Palms, to try and ensure the Franjiverdes stay in La Liga after 24 years away in Spain’s Second Division. It would appear with the ten new signings there is decent cover in all key positions now, and it is hoped that team spirit and close understandings are being practised while the useful International break has been here.
On that subject Elche now have international players on their books, all from different countries: Richmond Boakye from Ghana, Columbian Carlos ‘The Rock’ Sanchez, Miroslav Stevanovic from Bosnia, Panamanian Jairo Jimenez and now Carles Gil on his second year’s loan from Valencia has played for Spain’s under 21 team.
This experience can only be good for Elche, although not all can expect to be in Elche’s expected line up tonight.
In goal last year’s stalwart Manu Herrera should start, with the big solid pairing in front of him of David Lomban and Alberto Botia, plus Edu Albacar at left back. Following a mammoth seven-match suspension incurred against Barcelona ‘B’ on May 10th, the Argentinian Damian Suarez is at last available again to contest right back with the new Romanian Christian Sapunaru, and the four man midfield is expected as Ruben Perez, Carles Gil, Carlos Sanchez and Chavez Fidel, with Boakye and Ferran Corominas (Coro) upfront This gives vast potential from the bench to give sound Elche coach Fran Escriba more options should he need them.
The scene is set perfectly for Elche to achieve their first win in La Liga, which would put the Illicitanos into mid-table respectability.
In two week’s time on Wednesday 25th September mighty Real Madrid come to town, with normal entrance prices already hiked to well over €100. With Gareth Bale, Christiano Ronaldo and all on show it would be nice to have some points already, to prove Elche can play, and survive in La Liga.
Mucho Elche!
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/40643/
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