On Thursday night, La Liga side Elche travel to in-form Segunda outfit Almeria in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey.
Almeria are in a healthy position in the Segunda currently, as they are top of the table and looking good for promotion back to La Liga. The home team’s recent form has been good.
🟢⚪️🏋️ El equipo regresa a los entrenamientos en el Díez Iborra para preparar la #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/rNzmaRm9fH— Elche Club de Fútbol 🌴 (@elchecf) January 4, 2022
🟢⚪️🏋️ El equipo regresa a los entrenamientos en el Díez Iborra para preparar la #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/rNzmaRm9fH
However, a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Cartagena last time out ended a 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions for Rubi’s team.
With a return to La Liga seemingly imminent next season, this game represents the chance for Almeria to test their mettle against a team they could face next season in the Spanish top-flight.
They have been difficult to beat in the Copa del Rey in recent seasons, as Almeria have lost just one of their previous seven matches in the competition, recording four wins over 90 minutes and two in penalty shoutouts.
Elche may well be swapping places with Almeria next season if their form doesn’t improve in the near future, as the visitors are currently in the relegation zone, courtesy of an inferior head-to-head record to 17th place Alaves.
Last time out, Francisco’s team drew 0-0 with Granada. The result means that the visitors have won just once in their last four games in all competitions.
The run is a concerning one and the last thing they probably need at the moment is to face a relatively in-form Segunda team.
Elche have been difficult to beat in the Copa del Rey in recent seasons, though, losing just once in their last eight matches in the competition, while recording six wins in the process. The visitors have also lost just two of their previous 11 away games in the Spanish cup.
Forebet predicts that this could be a tight encounter, which will end in a low-scoring draw.