Match Info

Competition: La Liga — Gameweek 4

Date: September 7, 2026

Time: 01:30 (GMT+7) / 19:30 (GMT+1)

Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero

Elche Preview

Elche desperately need a response after a disastrous start to their La Liga campaign. Martin Anselmi's side have collected just one point from their opening three matches and have already conceded nine goals, leaving them 19th in the table. A 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna was followed by a heavy 5-0 home defeat to Barcelona and then a 3-2 loss against newly promoted Racing Santander. Although Buba Sangare and Fer Nino scored late against Racing, Elche were unable to complete the comeback. After surviving last season by just one point above the relegation zone, Anselmi will be increasingly concerned that defensive weaknesses could once again become the club's biggest problem. (Sports Mole)

Real Sociedad Preview

Real Sociedad have also made an inconsistent start, although their situation is considerably more comfortable. Pellegrino Matarazzo's side sit 11th with four points from their opening four matches after defeats to Real Betis and Real Madrid, a 2-1 victory over Espanyol and a goalless draw with Celta Vigo. The Basque club are competing in the Europa League this season after winning the Copa del Rey, giving them additional European responsibilities alongside their domestic campaign. Their record against Elche is particularly strong, with eight wins and one draw from their last 10 meetings. Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo and Orri Oskarsson provide the visitors with enough attacking quality to exploit a defence that has already conceded nine times. (Sports Mole)

Probable Lineups

Elche (4-4-2)

Dituro; Sangare, Chust, Redondo, Bigas; Valera, Buonanotte, Villar, Houary; Aguado, Nino

Real Sociedad (4-3-3)

Remiro; Gomez, Martin, Zubeldia, Aramburu; Barrenetxea, Herrera, Turrientes; Kubo, Oskarsson, Oyarzabal

We Say

Elche's defensive problems make this a particularly difficult fixture for the hosts. Real Sociedad have not been completely convincing themselves, but their superior squad quality and excellent recent record in this fixture should give them confidence. Elche need to become much more compact without the ball, while Sociedad will look to exploit the space behind the home defence through Kubo and Oyarzabal.