Overview
Barcelona have lost 2 of their last 3 matches in La Liga, including a 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend. They are now 5 points behind Xabi Alonso's leaders.
Hansi Flick's team is under pressure to return to the winning streak this weekend. If Real Madrid win the early match, the gap can widen to 8 points when Barcelona take the field.
After 10 rounds, Barcelona won 7, drew 1 and lost 2, and is the team with the best attack in the tournament with 25 goals. In the Champions League, they also had a positive start with 2 wins against Newcastle United and Olympiacos, the rest was a loss to PSG.
In the near future, the Catalan team will travel to Club Brugge's home ground in the Champions League. Any result other than two wins before the November international break will be considered disappointing for them.
In the past, Barcelona have won 34 of their 55 meetings with Elche, lost just nine and have never lost at home to the opponent.
Barcelona are on a 10-match winning streak against Elche, including 3-0 and 4-0 wins in La Liga 2022-2023. This is a testament to the absolute dominance of the Catalan team in this match.
Meanwhile, Elche has exceeded expectations this season after being promoted from the Segunda Division. They have won 14 points after 10 matches, temporarily ranking eighth on the rankings with a record of 3 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses.
Eder Sarabia's team just had a 4-0 victory over UD Los Garres in the first round of Copa del Rey, but in La Liga, they lost 0-1 to Espanyol last weekend.
Elche's form in the tournament has not been very stable recently. They have only won 1 of their last 5 matches, and especially have not won any away matches this season (3 draws, 2 losses).
Facing Barcelona at Camp Nou will be a huge challenge for Elche. However, if they do a miracle, they will have their first away win against the Catalan giants.
Personnel situation
Barcelona have received great news when Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo both returned to training this week after a long period of injuries. Both are expected to be in the squad.
In addition, Joan Garcia is also in the recovery period from a knee injury, but the coaching staff will not rush to bring this goalkeeper back.
On the other hand, Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Pedri are all sure to be absent due to injury. Marc Casado is likely to be given the opportunity to play in the context of Barcelona's midfield lacking personnel.
Another concern is Lamine Yamal, as the teenage star is said to have a chronic problem with the langus. However, according to the latest information, he is still fit enough to play in the win-off match of the home team at Camp Nou.
As for Elche, coach Eder Sarabia has good news as the whole team has not suffered any injuries, allowing him to use the strongest squad.
Compared to the match in Copa del Rey, Sarabia will make a few changes. However, Andre Silva - the team's top scorer (4 goals) - will certainly continue to lead the attack.
In addition, Hector Fort, a player currently on loan to Elche from Barcelona, is likely to start on the bench.
Expected lineup:
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Cubarsi, E. Garcia, Balde, Casado, De Jong, Yamal, F. Lopez, Rashford, Torres.
Elche: Pena, Chust, Affengruber, Bigas, Nunez, Mendoza, Febas, Aguado, Valera, Silva, Mir.
The match between Barcelona and Elche takes place at 0:30 am on November 3 (Vietnam time).
