The upcoming weekend will however see the continuation of the 2022-23 La Liga season. Meanwhile, Elche CF and Xavi’s FC Barcelona facing off in a crucial match at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Saturday.
Elche’s position at the bottom of the table makes this game a crucial one for the team as they try to avoid relegation. In their last game against Real Sociedad, Elche however failed to score and lost 2-0. The team will also need to improve their performance if they want to secure any points against FC Barcelona.
FC Barcelona on the other hand have been in fine form in the league this season. They currently sit at the top of the table with 65 points from 29 games. Also, they are coming off a crucial 2-1 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid in their previous game. Hence, they will be looking to continue their winning run against Elche. But the absence of Ronald Araujo and few others might prove to be costly.
FC Barcelona
Goalkeepers
Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña, Arnau Tenas
Defenders
Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Alejandro Balde, Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto
Midfielders
Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Franck Kessié, Pablo Torre
Forwards
Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Elche CF
Goalkeepers
Édgar Badía, Axel Werner
Defenders
Lisandro Magallán, Enzo Roco, Diego González, Pedro Bigas, Gonzalo Verdú, John Donald, Lautaro Blanco, Nicolás Fernández Mercau, Carlos Clerc, José Ángel Carmona, Pol Lirola, Helibelton Palacios
Midfielders
Omar Mascarell, Gerard Gumbau, Raúl Guti, Pape Cheikh, Randy Nteka
Forwards
Pere Milla, Tete Morente, Fidel, Álex Collado, Josan, Lucas Boyé, Ezequiel Ponce
Predicted Playing XI
Despite FC Barcelona leading the table, Elche might produce a shock. Here are some predicted lineups for the match even though it might widely differ.
FC Barcelona
Marc-André ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Gavi,Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati
Elche CF
Edgar Badia; Jose Carmona, Heliberton Palacios, Gonzalo Verdu; Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc; Pere Milla, Omar Mascarell, Gerard Gumbau; Fidel, Ezequiel Ponce
Match Details
Match: FC Barcelona vs Elche CF
Date: Sunday, 2 April, 12:30 AM
Venue: Manuel Martínez Valero
Nevertheless, FC Barcelona are currently the front-runners to clinch the La Liga title. Since, they have already established a comfortable 12-point lead over their arch-rivals Real Madrid. However, Robert Lewandowski has been going through a bit of a dry spell recently. But the Polish striker will be eager to rediscover his goal-scoring touch in the upcoming match.
Meanwhile, Elche has struggled to perform well in the current La Liga season and will face a tough task against FC Barcelona. However, the Catalan giants are the stronger team on paper and are expected to secure a win in this match.
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