Real Madrid Storm into Elche Showdown: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Desperately seeking redemption, Real Madrid travel to face Elche in what appears to be a straightforward encounter against the recently promoted club.

What began as an almost flawless season under Xabi Alonso has quickly deteriorated before the November international pause. Just five days following a disappointing 1–0 loss to Liverpool, Real Madrid could only secure a scoreless stalemate with Rayo Vallecano.

The Whites witnessed their advantage over Barcelona reduced to three points, and another misstep could allow the reigning Spanish champions to claim the top spot in the La Liga table.

The positive aspect for Alonso's squad is that their initial fixture following the international break features Elche, an adversary Real Madrid have historically controlled. Indeed, the Spanish powerhouse maintains a 17-match undefeated streak against their forthcoming rivals, whose most recent triumph over Los Blancos occurred in 1975.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the La Liga encounter.

What Time Does Elche vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?

Elche vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Elche vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream

Elche Team News

In contrast to Real Madrid, Elche are nearly at complete fitness. Eder Sarabia has confirmed that only Josan will be unavailable for Sunday's match; the Spanish player is managing a minor muscular problem.

Pedro Bigas, however, has returned to team training and will be ready against Real Madrid, although he is anticipated to begin on the substitutes' bench since he hasn't played in almost three weeks.

The goalkeeper selection remains the primary uncertainty for Elche. Sarabia has regularly alternated between Matías Dituro and Iñaki Peña in goal, but the latter holds the advantage.

Elche Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Elche predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-1-4-1): Peña; Núñez, Affengruber, Chust, Pedrosa; Aguado; Diaby, Mendoza, Febas, Mir; A. Rodríguez.

Real Madrid Team News

The international period proved challenging for Real Madrid. Éder Militão picked up an adductor problem while playing for Brazil and will be sidelined for the following two weeks, adding to Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal's absence.

Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde all experienced injury concerns during the November international period, but all four are anticipated to be healthy and available to start.

Dean Huijsen remains questionable, though the center-back will probably feature even if not fully fit due to Real Madrid's defensive shortage. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Franco Mastantuono, meanwhile, will be racing against time to join the squad for the trip to Estadio Martínez Valero.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Elche

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Elche (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Güler; Bellingham; Vinícius, Mbappé.

Elche vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Despite Real Madrid potentially needing to overcome some international break rustiness, it's difficult to envision the Spanish giants losing points for a third straight match, particularly against a side that hasn't secured three points in La Liga since September.

The return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Alonso's starting eleven provides Los Blancos with a crucial offensive enhancement, one that can help capitalize on a defense that has managed only one clean sheet in their previous seven Spanish top-flight fixtures.

Prediction: Elche 0–2 Real Madrid