Villarreal vs Elche: preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips

We show the probable lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a punt and provide you with a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the two teams.

Villarreal - Elche

Match date: 17/10-16:15

Villarreal CF

The Villarreal host this Saturday the Elche at La Cerámica after a rather irregular start to the season, although with signs of improvement in recent weeks. The yellow submarines, who had been coming off two consecutive league wins against Málaga and Levante, were beaten by the narrowest margin at the Bernabéu, but they arrive boosted by their important win over Napoli in the Champions League, their first in the competition after an opening defeat in Dortmund. Opposite them will be an Elche side in relegation positions, although they have picked up four points from their last two matches.

As for the absentees, Íñigo Pérez will still be unable to count on Pépé, who continues to recover from his eye operation, nor on Buchanan, injured during the international break. You also need to keep an eye on possible rotation, as the Villarreal will travel to Anfield next Tuesday to face Liverpool.

Regarding the starting XI, Gulácsi looks set to regain his place between the posts, while Freeman, Foyth, Renato Veiga and Cardona could form the back line, despite the good performances of Mouriño and Carlos Romero against Napoli. In midfield, Pape Gueye seems to be a certainty, with Saliba and Comesaña fighting for a spot. Up front, Moleiro and Akhomach have plenty of options to start, while the main doubts are in attack, where Oluwaseyi joins Ayoze, Gerard and Mikautadze in the battle for a starting role.

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Elche C.F.

Elche travel to La Cerámica with the aim of extending their upturn after picking up four points from their last six and securing their first clean sheet of the season against Celta (0-0). Martín Anselmi’s side face a tough trip against a Villarreal that will look to make it difficult at home and regain their feel after their most recent league defeat.

The main question mark is in defence. Federico Redondo is again available after serving his suspension, although Javi Morcillo’s good form as a centre-back could lead Anselmi to keep the partnership formed by him and Chust. If that happens, Marc Aguado would have options to continue in midfield. You will also need to monitor the progress of Buba Sangaré, who has returned to training and will compete with Rubén Sánchez for a spot at right-back.

In attack, Fer Niño and Germán Valera remain the main references, while Lemar seems to be settling into the coach’s plans. The final doubt is between Tete Morente and Lucas Cepeda, who could regain a starting place after beginning as a substitute against Celta. Buonanotte continues to lose prominence and Yago de Santiago is still recovering from his injury.

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