Elche Targets First Home Win Against Unbeaten Away Side Celta

Elche CF will pursue its first home victory of the LaLiga EA Sports season against Celta Vigo at the Estadio Martínez Valero, with both teams aiming to build on wins secured before the international break. The eighth-round matchup gives Martín Anselmi's side an opportunity to end its home losing streak, while Claudio Giráldez's visitors seek to maintain their unbeaten away record.

According to Marca, Elche claimed its first league victory by defeating Espanyol away despite playing with 10 men from the sixth minute. Celta also returned to winning form before the break, beating Racing de Santander 5-0 at Balaídos.

Elche has lost all three of its opening home matches in the top flight. Its last two defeats, against Real Sociedad and Real Madrid, both ended 3-2 after the team recovered from two-goal deficits before conceding late goals, according to Marca.

Anselmi must adjust his defense because Fede Redondo is suspended following his dismissal against Espanyol. Bigas is expected to replace him, while Sangaré has recovered from the injury that forced him off in the previous match. Josan is also available after being released without charge following an arrest over alleged domestic abuse, Marca reported.

Speaking before the match, Anselmi praised Celta's playing style and the work of Giráldez, highlighting the visitors' ability to control possession and create attacking opportunities.

"They are a team that plays good soccer and have demonstrated that over several seasons. I think the coach and I share certain footballing sensibilities and an appreciation for the game. They know how to keep the ball, attack, and find advantages," Anselmi said, according to Atlantico.

The Elche coach also emphasized his team's determination to win at home after an extended break from competitive action. He said the time away from matches had offered some benefits but acknowledged that training without competing could become difficult.

"The desire to win has been there from the first minute and the first match. It is not that we want it more because we have not won. We want to win every game and, obviously, at home too.

We are eager to reconnect with our fans and play again. The break has brought us some benefits, but spending so long without soccer also feels like a long time. We want to compete.

Training without competing can sometimes become difficult," Anselmi said.

He outlined the tactical discipline Elche would need against Celta's organized defense and pressing game, stressing the importance of managing possession and choosing the right moments to attack or defend.

"We have to be intelligent with the ball, know when to accelerate and when to keep possession, and identify spaces and advantages when they step forward to press. If we establish ourselves in the opposition's half, we must be patient in attack because they stay compact, close down spaces, and protect their goal well. When we have to defend, we must know when to press and when to stay compact," Anselmi said.

Celta arrives with several absences but has received a boost from Iago Aspas, who has been cleared to return and is included in the squad. The club's official announcement lists 23 players for the trip to Elche, while Carl Starfelt, Miguel Román, and Jones El-Abdellaoui are unavailable through injury.

Miguel Román's absence is particularly significant for Giráldez's midfield setup, according to Marca. The coach has also stressed that the league fixture takes priority before Celta turns its attention to Thursday's Europa League match against Juventus at Balaídos.

The attacking matchup features Fer Niño for Elche and Pablo Durán for Celta. Both players scored twice in the previous league round, and Niño has added three other goals in the competition, taking his total to five, according to Marca.

Celta's away form provides a contrast to Elche's home difficulties. The visitors have yet to lose on the road in LaLiga, while their five-goal performance against Racing de Santander demonstrated their scoring potential before the break.