Elche have just one point to show from two games in La Liga this season. It looks like it could be another difficult campaign for the Green Striped Ones.
Real Sociedad have three points from six on offer. Although it isn’t what manager Imanol Alguacil would have wanted, the Royal are likely to battle for a top six place this season once more.
💪 Última sesión de la semana 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Ls0yJrNn3v— Elche Club de Fútbol 🌴🥇 (@elchecf) August 26, 2022
💪 Última sesión de la semana 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Ls0yJrNn3v
Alguacil watched his team defeat Cadiz away on opening day. The Royal followed up their win with a 4-1 home loss to Barcelona on matchday No. 2. Despite being level at the break, Barcelona surged in front of Real Sociedad to win.
Elche began the campaign with a 3-0 loss to Real Betis. Matchday No. 2 was better with the team drawing 1-1 with Almeria.
The point against Almeria could be significant come May as both teams are expected to battle relegation.
Sociedad have dominated the last six head-to-head matches with Elche. The Royal have a record of 5W-0D-1L in the last six matches. Each of the last four matches between these teams ended as wins for Real Sociedad.
Elche manager Francisco Rodriguez has just two players on the injury list ahead of matchday No. 3. Midfielder Fidel has a hamstring injury and is ruled out until mid-September. Defender Gonzalo Verdu has a groin strain and is also ruled out until September.
Alguacil could be without four players. Forwards Martin Merquelanz and Carlos Fernandez are both ruled out of the game.
The pair won’t be back in action until next month. Full-back Diego Rico has a hamstring injury and is likely to miss out.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal is not fit after sustaining an ACL injury last spring. He is set to miss the game and Sociedad’s upcoming matches.
Making Alguacil’s squad selection at the forward position slightly more difficult is the likely transfer sale of Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United have offered £60 million to Sociedad for the Swedish striker. The deal is expected to be finalised by the weekend.
So, where will Sociedad’s goals come from? Real Sociedad will likely be in the market for a striker once the deal is finalised. The Basque club’s 19-year-old Jon Karrikaburu will likely step in to play up front versus Elche.
Isak’s departure shouldn’t hurt Sociedad’s chances of winning at the weekend, however. The Royal have dominated Elche in recent matches and should post a win at full-time. Real Sociedad should post a win to nil and gain three important points.