Elche host Real Sociedad looking for their first win of the season after a difficult start. Martín Anselmi’s side sit 19th with just one point from three games and have already conceded nine goals — the worst defensive record in the league. A late fightback in a 3-2 loss at Racing Santander offered some hope, but defensive fragility remains a major concern.

Real Sociedad are also searching for consistency. They have four points from three matches (W1 D1 L2) and come into this game after a goalless home draw with Celta Vigo. The Basque side have historically dominated this fixture, winning seven of the last eight meetings.

Form & Context

• Elche: DLL (3 goals scored, 9 conceded). Desperately need a home win and clean sheet.
• Real Sociedad: LLWD (3 goals scored, 6 conceded). Improving slightly but still without an away league win this season.

Head-to-head heavily favours the visitors. Sociedad have been strong at this ground in recent years.

Team News

Elche
Out/Doubt: Fer Niño (thigh), Yago Santiago (knee), Adam Boayar, Thomas Lemar (physical issues). New arrivals (defenders and Rubén Sánchez) may feature as Anselmi tries to shore up the back line.

Likely shape: Dituro; Sangaré, Chust, Bigas, Valera; Villar, Aguado, Buonanotte; with options in attack including Ponce or Houary.

Real Sociedad
Out: Álvaro Odriozola (ACL), Jon Pacheco, Pablo Marín (hamstring).

Likely shape: Remiro; Gómez/Aramburu, Martín, Zubeldia, Aramburu/Gómez; Herrera, Turrientes/Soler; Barrenetxea, Kubo/Sucic, Oyarzabal; Oskarsson.

Key Battles & Outlook

Elche’s leaky defence will be tested by Sociedad’s attacking talent (Oyarzabal, Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oskarsson). The hosts will rely on home support and any early organisation from their new defensive reinforcements. Sociedad’s superior quality and strong H2H record make them favourites, though both sides have struggled for clean sheets, so goals remain likely.

Prediction

Elche 1-2 Real Sociedad

Sociedad should have enough to take the three points against a struggling Elche side, though the home team may find the net. Expect a competitive but ultimately away win.