Barcelona vs Elche: prediction for the La Liga fixture
On September 17, the Blaugrana are set to host the Green-Striped ones for the La Liga fixture. What to expect from this battle? The answer is in our prediction.

Command Analysis

Barcelona

Barcelona finished the previous season without a single trophy, quite a rare occasion for this club. Team completely failed the Champions League group stage and also failed to achieve success in the Europa League. Team started the new Champions League campaign with a victory over Viktoria (5:1) and a defeat to Bayern (0:2).
In the previous season of La Liga Xavi's men failed to put up a fight for the title. During the summer, club signed Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Kounde. Board spent 150 million euros on this players. In five rounds team conceded only one goal, scoring three times per game.
In two latest matches the Blaugrana managed to beat Sevilla (3:0) and Cadiz (4:0), now team is at the 2nd spot in the standings with 13 points in the asset.

Elche

Elche managed to avoid relegation in the previous season. In 38 rounds team earned 11 victories and nine draws, delivering 39 points and a 15th spot in the standings. After a decent start in Copa del Rey, team got eliminated by Real Madrid in the round of 16.
During the summer the Green-striped ones signed some new players: Ponce for 4 million euros and Roger Marti for 3 million. Francisco's men got off to a slow start of the season - after five rounds team has only one point, from a draw against Almeria (1:1). Team put up a terrible offensive performance, scoring only two goals in five games.
Latest game ended in a 1:4 defeat to Athletic, sending the team to 19th spot in the standings.
Trends
СтавкаCorrect score 4:1
Hosts have won five latest head-to-head matches

СтавкаCorners: total under 9,5
This bet played in 3 of 5 latest matches of the hosts

СтавкаGoals in both halves - yes
In 3 of 4 latest head-to-head matches goals were scored in both halves

СтавкаPenalty: no
In 3 of 5 latest matches of the visitors no penalties were given

Tip and bets
In our opinion, there are very few teams in the world, who are able compete with Barcelona in their strongest squad. Catalan side has a chance to climb up to the 1st spot in case of a victory. The Blaugrana should be able to get a convincing victory.
Our prediction - Asian handicap (-3) on Barcelona
We are expecting a cautious defensive performance from the visitors here, but only a miracle can help them to contain Barcelona's offensive force. Barca should be able to win this game by a wide margin, even after a difficult Champions League match.
Our second bet is on Barcelona to win by three goals