Elche vs Almeria preview - Elche eyeing vital win
Posted Saturday, February 01, 2014 by PA
Elche are nervously looking over their shoulders towards the relegation zone again after a weekend in which they were beaten 4-0 at Real Sociedad and saw the teams closest to them in the Primera Division table pick up victories.
Now Fran Escriba's side are just two points above the drop zone and the coach does not need reminding of the significance of Sunday's home match with fellow strugglers Almeria.
"This game is more important than one against any of the more attractive sides, including Real Madrid or Barcelona," he told reporters.
The two teams drew 2-2 earlier in the season and are separated by just one point in the table going into Sunday's game.
And Escriba believes they could be competing with each other to avoid the drop come the end of the season, therefore getting the right result is even more important than in any other game.
"It's a vital game, because if we beat them we'll be able to overtake them in the league table as well as get ahead of them in the head-to-head," he said, while also calling on the fans to play their part.
"It's difficult to make a call to arms to our fans because they always get behind us, but we really need them against Almeria because this is a game which could define our season, like the ones against Elche or Osasuna. And if we are able to win, then we'll have a nice points cushion."
Almeria picked up a much needed 1-0 win at home to Getafe last weekend but will be without midfielder Sebastian Debarbier, who is suspended for picking up five yellow cards this season.
Elche have no fresh absentees ahead if the game but new signing Garry Mendes could make his debut since signing on loan from Levski Sofia, although the midfielder is not expected to start.
Photos
More»Glam TV host Diletta Leotta begs Loris Karius to QUIT Newcastle
Thursday March 28 2024Fans stunned by Astrid Wett’s outfit
Thursday March 28 2024[PICTURE SPECIAL] England 2-2 Belgium
Wednesday March 27 2024
Your Say