Elche vs Almeria

Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero plays host to Elche’s opening 2022/23 La Liga home match against newly-promoted Almeria.

Despite spending most of last season embroiled in a keenly-contested relegation battle, Elche eventually finished in a respectable 13th place. However, they’re again warm candidates to switch over to the Segunda Division, with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat away to Real Betis on the opening weekend backing this claim. Bringing the 2021/22 season into the equation, ‘Los Franjiverdes’ have now lost four of their last five La Liga matches (W1), failing to get on the scoresheet in each reverse! Yet, playing on Monday (European time) suits Elche, as they’ve lost just two of their last 11 top-flight outings on this day (W5, D4). Adding to the hosts’ confidence, they’ll take the field unbeaten in four consecutive La Liga meetings with Almeria (W2, D2).

Meanwhile, Almeria thought they were on the verge of pulling off a major upset in their first La Liga fixture since 2015, but they turned a 1-0 HT lead into a 2-1 home defeat to reigning champions Real Madrid on matchday one. The visitors’ bid to bounce back relies on their impressive away league record against Elche that’s seen them lose just three of their 13 league visits to Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero (W4, L6). However, ‘Los Almeriensistas’ head into proceedings on the back of six winless La Liga matches (D1, L5), conceding 2+ goals on each occasion. Speaking of Almeria’s defensive frailties, no side has faced more shots on the opening weekend than Rubi’s lads (29).