Elche vs Girona prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2022-11-07 18:00.
Elche manager Jorge AlmirĂłn may have only arrived in mid-October, but already admitted that there is pressure on his position after last weekendâs 2-1 defeat to Real Valladolid marked 13 games without a La Liga (LL) win (D4, L9). He stated, "I understand that they (the board) can make a decision", with the latest loss the first time Elche have failed to win in six consecutive home attempts, whilst also failing to score more than a single goal in any league since 2014!
Whilst itâs still early in the season, a battle for survival looks almost guaranteed for a side marooned on four points after 13 games – thatâs the second-worst tally at this stage of a LL campaign for any side in the three-points per-win era. Girona may arrive as slight favourites then, but Elche have a strong H2H record to lean on, having never lost a home meeting (W5, D4)!
The newly-promoted Catalans represent another relegation rival but moved two points clear of the dropzone after defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-1 and registering their first victory in eight LL games (D3, L4). Despite that triumph, thereâs little doubt Girona will see this as a must-win fixture considering they have failed to find an away win this campaign (D2, L4), though they did hold reigning LL champions Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in their last away outing.
Girona wonât reach the 20 points that boss MĂchel stated that he wanted before the World Cup break, but a win here would mean they wonât spend the tournament in the relegation places. The manager wonât be allowing his players to rest on their laurels whatever happens, as they sit six places and seven points worse off after 13 games played than the 2018/19 season; the last time they were relegated from the top-flight!
Key battle: Described by AlmirĂłn as the only player ââaliveââ at Elche, goalkeeper Ădgar BadĂa made nine saves against Valladolid, marking a personal high in the top-flight and the second-highest tally by a âkeeper this campaign. His mission here is to thwart Gironaâs David LĂłpez who scored and assisted in the same LL match for the first time in the victory over Athletic.
Hot stat: Girona have conceded first in ten of their last 11 top-flight away matches.