Prediction: Elche vs Girona

Prediction: Girona win

Best Odds: 37/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Many of us are starting to look ahead to the start of the new domestic season across Europe, which is set to get underway in a matter of weeks for the top leagues around the continent, but there are still a few issues that need to be resolved. In Spain, the Segunda Division playoffs are still ongoing with Elche and Girona qualifying for the final. The two will now go head to head in a two-legged battle, with the winner going on to play in La Liga next season with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Elche

It’s been a mixed kind of journey for Elche to get to this point, and it didn’t always look like they were going to make their way into the top six – but after 42 games, they earned their spot. Back at the start of July they were beaten by Mirandes, only to bounce back with a nice 2-0 win over 10-man Albacete. They did go on to lose to Fuenlabrada prior to another narrow victory over Oviedo, but in their semi-final, they really did grind out the win they needed. They held onto a 0-0 draw in the first leg after having a man sent off, and then in the second, they won 1-0 to book their spot in the final.

Team News

Club legend Nino will try and gain promotion for Elche in what could be the final game of his career, with Badia serving as their leader in goal.

Girona

At one point you could be forgiven for thinking Girona had the potential to go up automatically, but in the end, they finished in 5th after a decent enough end to the campaign. Back at the start of July they beat 10-man Almeria, drew 2-2 with Lugo and beat Cadiz – and in the latter game, both teams had a man sent off. They lost 2-0 to Alcorcon before the playoffs, and then when they got there, they executed another professional 1-0 win over Almeria in the first leg before finishing them off in the second.

Team News

Stuani is expected to lead from the front after a phenomenal campaign with Granell and Gumbau holding firm in the middle of the park.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back on June 19th, Elche beat Girona 1-0.
• Elche have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Girona have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Elche have scored six goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Girona have scored eight goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

While both sides are bound to be nervous with a feeling out process being almost inevitable in game of this magnitude, we’re expecting Girona to take the first leg advantage with a calm and convincing performance. They looked better out of the two clubs in their respective semi-finals, and we just think they’ve got more weapons in their locker to really make an impact. They won’t blow Elche away heading into the second leg, but they will have one hand on securing promotion.

Prediction: Girona win

Best Odds: 37/20

Bookmaker: 888sport