Matchday 9 of La Liga between Elche and Athletic will take place on October 19 at the Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium. Elche vs. Athletic: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Elche
As a newcomer to the league, the team has been one of the standout surprises in the first part of the season. Two weeks ago, Elche lost to Alaves, marking their first defeat since returning to the top flight. This ended a 12-match unbeaten streak in the league (5 wins, 7 draws). Eder Sarabia's side has dropped to 7th place in the standings, but they are still just three points behind third place. Notably, the team has scored in 15 consecutive La Liga matches. Furthermore, Elche has been particularly strong at home, collecting 10 out of a possible 12 points in their four home games this season, only bettered by Real Madrid and Villarreal.
- Both teams have scored in 7 of Elche's last 9 La Liga matches.
- The club has won with a handicap (+1.5) in 15 of their last 16 league matches.
- The team's unbeaten home run in La Liga spans 8 matches (5 wins, 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Elche (5-3-2)
Inaki Pena – Alvaro Nunez, Victor Chust, David Affengruber, Pedro Bigas, German Valera – Marc Aguado, Aleix Febas, Grady Diangana – Rafa Mir, Alvaro Rodriguez.
Defender David Affengruber is suspended, while forward Grady Diangana is sidelined due to injury. Defenders Adria Pedrosa and Hector Fort have recovered and may return to the squad. Head coach Eder Sarabia has served his suspension and will be back on the sidelines.
Athletic
Before the international break, the club secured a hard-fought but crucial victory over Mallorca. This win ended a winless streak in which they collected just one point over four La Liga rounds. While it's too early to say the Basques have fully overcome their slump, the victory should provide a psychological boost. Additionally, Ernesto Valverde's side has improved their league position, now sitting in 8th place, trailing three clubs, including Elche, only by goal difference.
- No more than 2 goals have been scored in 5 of Athletic's last 7 league matches.
- The Basques' uncompromising away streak in La Liga stands at 5 matches (3 wins, 2 losses).
- The team has not scored more than 1 goal in 9 of their last 11 away La Liga games.
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simon – Yuri Berchiche, Aymeric Laporte, Daniel Vivian, Jesus Areso – Mikel Jauregisar, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Robert Navarro, Nico Serrano, Gorka Guruzeta – Inaki Williams.
Defender Unai Echelus and midfielder Benat Prados are unavailable due to injuries. Midfielder Oihan Sancet has recovered from his injury, while Mikel Vesga's participation remains uncertain.
Referee
Jose Guzman (Spain)
Matches – 26 (La Liga, Segunda 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 110;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 19%.
Elche vs. Athletic: Match Prediction
In the previous round, Elche suffered their first defeat since returning to the top flight, but even in the unsuccessful match against Alaves, the team found a moment to score. Eder Sarabia's side has consistently scored in all 8 league matches this season, with their scoring streak in this tournament now at 15 games. At home, Elche has scored at least one goal in 8 consecutive La Liga matches.
Athletic ended their winless league run two weeks ago, but the club conceded in their sixth consecutive La Liga match. They now face a tough away fixture, and Ernesto Valverde's side has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their three away matches this La Liga season. Additionally, only 2 of the last 8 league encounters with Elche in Spain's top flight have seen Athletic keep a clean sheet.
All signs point to the hosts finding the net against Athletic once again. Prediction: Elche to score – Yes
