FC Barcelona are set to embark on yet another battle on their conquest of the La Liga title. This time around, they pay a visit to bottom-placed Elche for the 27th game in their league campaign.
Match Details:
Date: Saturday, 1st April 2023
Time: 09:00 pm CET
Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero
Competition: La Liga Santander
Matchday: 27
Match Overview:
Barcelona have in recent times been going from strength to strength bar an unexpected tumble against an unassuming Almeria side when the Catalans lost 1-0 to their opponents. Apart from that, 2 wins in quick succession over arch-rivals Real Madrid see Barcelona gloat in fine form.
Their form across the season in fact has been phenomenal in the league. In terms of offensive output, they remain only second to Los Blancos when it comes to goals scored. They have scored an impressive total of 49 goals in 26 games.
However, this particular incarnation of Barcelona has particularly been a Goliath of sorts when it comes to defensive rigidity and quality. Having conceded only 9 goals across the entirety of their La Liga campaign this season, they are statistically the best defense in any of the top 5 European leagues as things stand.
On the contrary, their opponents have not been nearly as remarkable. Elche currently sit dead last in the La Liga Santander standings, and their recent form has not been all that optimistic either. 3 losses, 1 draw, and 1 win is all they have to show for themselves when recounting their previous 5 outings in La Liga. Elche have accumulated a total of 13 points this season, which is exactly half of the team right above them in the table.
The team has also statistically struggled in both offensive and defensive merits. Offensively, they boast the worst goals-scored tally in the league, having been able to manage scoring past their opponents 19 times. Moreover, in terms of defensive statistics, Elche have had the most issues in the league as well when it comes to keeping oppositions at bay. Having conceded 51 goals, they are considered the worst defense in La Liga this season.
Despite some major absences for Barcelona such as Raphinha (due to suspension), Pedri, Christensen, Frenkie, and Dembele (the latter 4 are all out due to injury reasons) Barcelona should still be expected to pull through with a victory given the elite quality they still have within their ranks. A win here would temporarily put FC Barcelona 15 points at the top of the league table.
