Prediction: Leganes vs Elche

Verdict: Leganes win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Just 90 minutes away from officially booking a La Liga return, Leganes will welcome Elche to the Estadio Municipal Butarque on Sunday evening.

Leganes

Starting with the hosts, while Leganes might have endured a major Segunda struggle last season as they limped their way to a bottom-half finish, Borja Jimenez’s side have enjoyed a second-tier romp this time around. Knowing that just a single point on Sunday evening will be enough to officially secure a lucrative La Liga return, the former Mirandes boss has seen his squad continue to receive a string of plaudits. Although El Lega might have suffered last-gasp heartbreak away at Ferrol last week as they had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate, the Madrid-based outfit have suffered just a single loss from any of their previous 12 Segunda appearances – a run that stems all the way back to March 3rd. On the cusp of securing what will be a stunning top-flight return, Leganes have also gained a reputation for their rugged success on home soil. Last seen in the Spanish capital claiming a 2-1 win against Sporting Gijon, it should be highlighted that Jimenez’s men have lost just a sole showdown at the Estadio Municipal Butarque since the middle of August.

Team News

Shown a straight red card late on in Leganes’ 2-1 victory against Sporting Gijon on May 18th, Jimenez will once again be unable to call upon former Boca Juniors starlet Julian Chicco on Sunday evening. Making a first start since April 19th last week, Serbian international Darko Brasanac should join Yvan Neyou at the heart of El Laga’s midfield.

Notching back-to-back Segunda strikes and recording three goals in his last four appearances, Alaves loanee Miguel de la Fuente will spearhead Legans’ charge this weekend. Getting on the scoresheet against Ferrol last week, 24-year-old Juan Cruz could be handed a full recall.

Elche

As for the visitors, although Elche might open their season finale sat in the driving seat to clinch a top-half finish, Los Franjiverdes do have the feel of a squad limping their way over the finish line. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they suffered a shock 2-1 loss at home against Eldense, Sebastian Beccacece’s men have collected just two points from any of their previous five Segunda appearances. Likewise, with their recent rut underlined by a 3-0 drumming against Huesca on May 12th, the Alicante-based outfit have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous 10 consecutive outings. Crashing back down to earth since returning from March’s international break, Elche have also shown some recent issues on the road. Including a 3-1 defeat against Racing Santander when opening May, they are without a win from their last five matchups away from the Estadio Martinez Valero. Enduring their worst run of the 2023/24 campaign, Elche appear to have another tough challenge on their hands this weekend.

Team News

Although former Celta Vigo starlet Bermejo might have served a one-match suspension against Eldense last week, the 26-year-old should make an immediate return on Sunday evening. Dealing with a recent knock, Elche remain hopeful that ex-Malaga man Tete Morente will be able to play some part this weekend.

Signing off April with back-to-back Segunda strikes, Moroccan marksmen Mourad El Ghezouani could be handed a full recall and lead Elche’s charge here. Recently bursting into Beccacece’s first-team picture, Ecuador international Jhegson Mendez should keep his spot in midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Leganes and Elche met for their reverse Segunda matchup on September 17th, Sunday’s hosts picked up a 1-0 victory at the Estadio Martinez Valero.
• However, Leganes are unbeaten in all of their seven matchups against Elche at the Estadio Municipal Butarque.
• Los Franjiverdes have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous 10 consecutive outings.
• Leganes have suffered just a single defeat on home soil since in the middle of August.
• Elche have collected just two points from any of their last five Segunda away fixtures.

Conclusion

On the cusp of booking what will be a stunning La Liga return, Leganes should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Continuing to gain a reputation for their remarkable success on home soil, Sunday’s hosts are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender with the bookmakers. Unbeaten in all of their seven historic meetings against Elche at the Estadio Municipal Butarque, we are backing Leganes to secure their iconic top-flight return with one final statement.

Verdict: Leganes win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet