Atletico Madrid vs Elche predictions and match preview for Thursday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as both sides seek a fresh start after very poor campaigns so far.
| Date | Thursday 29th December 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 21:30 (local time) |
| Stadium | Metropolitano |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Preview
LaLiga restarts this week and one of the opening fixtures will feature Atletico Madrid hosting Elche. Although they have played some Copa del Rey and friendly fixtures over the past few weeks, the two sides have had over a month away from league action due to the World Cup being played and both will be aiming to return with a positive performance and result.
Atletico’s form prior to the break was nothing short of abysmal. Diego Simeone’s side achieved no wins in their previous five games, including three defeats. Los Colchoneros currently sit fifth in the table, level on points with Athletic Club and Real Betis, drawing or losing as many games as they have won.
After being knocked out of the Champions League, Atletico will have to put full focus on their domestic campaign, and a victory in this match could kickstart a revival and allow the club to get back on track in regards to achieving a top four spot. Simeone will likely have to alter his starting eleven though, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Nahuel Molina featuring in the World Cup final while forward Matheus Cunha has left the club.
Like Atletico, Elche’s form prior to the World Cup was extremely poor. The break should be seen as a positive by the club as it could not only allow their players to rest, but also give new coach Pablo Machin the opportunity to fully work on the set up of the team and his tactics.
Furthermore, a couple of wins during the break, albeit in Copa del Rey fixtures or friendlies, should raise squad morale and perhaps display the club’s ambition to keep the players focused and in good shape ahead of a return to LaLiga action.
Elche are currently winless this season, only achieving four draws which leaves them in the last spot in the table and seven points behind their nearest rival. The Valencian club has lost all of their last three games and they simply have to start picking up points soon to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Atletico Madrid
| INJURED | De Paul, Molina |
| DOUBTFUL | Oblak, Witsel |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Oblak – Hermoso, Gimenez, Savic – Carrasco, Barrios, Witsel, Lemar, Llorente – Felix, Morata (3-5-2)
Coach: Diego Simeone
Elche
| INJURED | Alamo, Josan, Mercau, Lirola, Chetauya |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED | Gumbau |
Possible XI: Badia – Bigas, Roco, Verdu – Clerc, Guti, Mascarell, Palacios – Fidel, Boye, Milla (3-4-3)
Coach: Pablo Machin
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3-1 Elche
Both sides need a win to turn around their poor seasons, but when it comes to quality on the pitch, there is only one winner here. Although they will be missing a few players due to the World Cup or departures, Atletico should win this match and Elche will have to aim to take points off lesser opponents in the coming weeks.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
