Preview: Cadiz vs. Elche - prediction, team news, lineups

Fran Escriba's relegation-threatened Elche travel to Andalusia this weekend for their must-win La Liga tie against Cadiz at the Ramon de Carranza.

Three points for the visitors could see Elche leapfrog Real Valladolid into 18th place, while a win for Cadiz could see the hosts cement their mid-table credentials.

Match preview

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This weekend is crunch time for Escriba's Elche, who could all but confirm their relegation if they are bested by Cadiz.

A draw or a win for Elche would give them a good shot at survival as they approach the last gameweek of the campaign, but even in that scenario, survival may be a long shot.

Regardless of the scenario, Elche are not playing well. Escriba's men have lost their last three league games and have only picked up four points from their last six games.

Currently 19th in the standings, Elche have effectively blown their shot at survival while others like Huesca, Eibar and Alaves have risen to the occasion.

However, three points on Sunday could change everything, the only thing that stands in their way is Andalusia's Yellow Submarine.

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Currently 11th in the table, 12 points above the relegation zone, Cadiz's return to the big-time has been a monumental success.

Navigated admirably by manager Alvaro Cervera, Cadiz have proven to be more than capable of holding their own and getting the better of some of the league's most heavyweight outfits.

Against Osasuna last time out, Cadiz were comfortably beaten 3-2, with Alberto Perea reducing the deficit late on in stoppage time.

In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Elche were held to a 1-1 draw with Cadiz.

This time around, Cervera will no doubt hope his side can get the better of the visitors now that so many points separate the two teams.

Team News

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Escriba will still be without trusted midfielder Guti, who is still serving a suspension from the red card he picked up against Real Sociedad.

The only other absentee for Elche is defender Johan Mojica, who is out with a muscular injury.

Fali and Jose Mari will be available again for Cadiz after both players were suspended last time out.

Other absentees for Cervera to contend with are Carlos Akapo, Cala, Salvi and Alex.

Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Gil; Cruz, Alcala, Fali, Espino; Carcelen, Jonsson, Jon Garrido, Lozano; Sobrino, Negredo

Elche possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Palacios, Calvo, Gonzalez, Josema; Josan Fernandez, Mfulu, Marcone, Fidel; Carrillo, Boye

We say: Cadiz 1-1 Elche

Nothing could separate these two sides when they last met in November, and we cannot see anything being able to separate them this weekend either. We reckon Lucas Boye and Alvaro Negredo could end up on the scoresheet.