Elche and Celta chase a second win: Josan returns for Anselmi’s reshuffle

Elche and Celta both want a second straight win after their first success before the international break. The hosts beat Espanyol away with ten men from the 6th minute, while the visitors thrashed Racing de Santander in Balaídos, finishing with five goals. This afternoon’s clash at the Martínez Valero comes as Elche try to shake off a worrying run at home in LaLiga, with three straight defeats.

Elche’s defensive reshuffle

Martin Anselmi will have to alter his back line due to Fede Redondo’s suspension after his red card at the RCDE Stadium. Bigas is expected to step in. Sangaré is also fit again after recovering from a knock picked up in the last match, and Josan is available after being released without charges following his detention last Tuesday over alleged mistreatment.

Celta: Aspas returns, Europe next

Celta are looking to restart their league campaign the way they left it: they still haven’t lost as visitors. Their coach wants focus on this game, even with Europe League action looming on Thursday at Balaídos against Juventus. Aspas, already cleared, is back in the squad, but Miguel Román, Starfelt and Jones El-Abdellaoui miss out through injury. The biggest blow is the midfielder, central to Giráldez’s setup. Fer Niño vs Durán is another key matchup: both scored twice last round, and Durán already has three more league goals for a total of five.