Match: La Liga
Fixture: Sevilla vs Elche
Local Kick-off Time: September 12, 21:00
Handicap Prediction:
Sevilla -0.5 (Asian Handicap)
Home Win (European Odds)
Predicted Scores: 1-0, 2-0, 2-1
Predicted Total Goals: 1, 2, 3
Comprehensive Analysis:
Sevilla faced restrictions on player registration earlier this season due to financial issues. With an incomplete squad, they lost their first two La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao and Getafe. However, before the international break, Sevilla secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 away victory over Girona (who were also in poor form) in the third round. Notably, Lucas Baggio (involved in a transfer) was not included in the matchday squad.
Sevilla took the lead in the first half through Alfonso González, a new signing from Celta Vigo. Coach Almeida’s team had multiple chances to extend the lead in the first half, with Isaac Romero’s shot hitting the crossbar being the most regrettable miss. In the second half, Isaac Romero finally scored on a counter-attack, while Sevilla goalkeeper Niland saved a clear-cut chance from Girona’s Moreno to secure the win—marking Almeida’s first victory since taking charge at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
During this transfer window, Sevilla sold Lucas Baggio, Badé, and Idrissi for over €50 million (Baggio scored 11 La Liga goals last season). Kelechi Iheanacho was loaned to Rangers FC, Suso to Cádiz, left-back Sergio Pedrosa and forward Rafael Mir to Elche (Sevilla’s opponent in this match). Additionally, Albert Sambi Lokonga (loaned from Arsenal) and Saúl Ñíguez (loaned from Atlético Madrid) returned to their parent clubs.
On the incoming side, Sevilla loaned defensive midfielder Mendy from Trabzonspor, signed left-winger Alfonso González (from Celta Vigo), left-back Suárez (from Toulouse), center-back Cardoso (from Porto), center-back César Azpilicueta (AZP, from Atlético Madrid), and veteran Sánchez (from Udinese) on free transfers, and loaned goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos from Newcastle United. For this match, Sevilla will be without left-winger Chidera Ejuke, midfielder Jordan, and forward Adams.
Elche secured promotion to La Liga last season by finishing as runners-up in La Liga 2. The club was efficient in the transfer market this summer: Argentine midfielder Nicolas Mercau (6 goals, 8 assists last season) joined New York City FC for €8 million, attacking midfielder Castro moved to Toluca for €5 million, forward Mourad El Ghezouani (9 goals) transferred to Tijuana for €1.5 million, left-back Salinas joined Espanyol, second striker Plano moved to Leganés, and forward Álvarez (8 goals) returned to Sassuolo.
Using the transfer proceeds, Elche signed midfielder Redondo from Inter Miami, forward Rodríguez from Real Madrid, midfielder Neto from Benfica, and forward André Silva from RB Leipzig; they also bought out left-winger Varela from Valencia. Additionally, Elche secured free transfers of winger Grady Diangana (from West Bromwich Albion) and left-back Leo Petrot (from Saint-Étienne), and loaned right-back Ektorf (from Barcelona), goalkeeper Iñaki Peña (from Barcelona), left-back Sergio Pedrosa (from Sevilla), forward Rafael Mir (from Sevilla), and center-back Chust (from Cádiz).
Elche started the season with a 1-1 home draw against Real Betis (securing a point thanks to Varela’s goal despite being outplayed), followed by a goalless away draw against Atlético Madrid (with Rafael Mir equalizing). In their last match, they defeated La Liga 2 champions Levante 2-0 at home in the Valencia Derby, with Rafael Mir and Mendoz scoring in the second half to seal the win. Elche will be without Marc Aguado for this match.
