Tuesday 23/09/2014, 21:00, Spain Primera Division, Round 5, Real Madrid vs Elche

Real Madrid vs Elche Preview

Real Madrid trail the leading Barcelona by six points and they will have to fight an uphill battle in the remaining rounds, but things could have been significantly worse. After losing the first two games in a shocking manner, the former champions returned to their winning ways and scored a total of 13 goals within one week. They will try to score a handful against Elche tonight, but the visitors are fully aware of the risks and they will defend with all lines for 90 minutes.

Real Madrid vs Elche Odds

At Unibet

Real Madrid 1.10, Draw 11.30, Elche 21.00

Real Madrid vs Elche Tips

Elche should expect a 90 minutes each and the visitors should be ready for a hail of balls coming towards their net. Stopping Real Madrid in their tracks is extremely difficult, but manager Escriba has no players missing due to injuries or suspensions, so he can field the most competitive starting formation.

Five defenders, four midfielders and Jonathas as the only striker should limit the damage inflicted by Real Madrid, but it will be very difficult for the visitors to score. The counterattack remains their best option and given the fact that Real Madrid allowed a goal in each of the last four games is reassuring.

The hosts are trying to keep the winning streak alive and extend it, because anything short of a convincing victory will send shockwaves in Madrid. The Champions League campaign started on the right foot as they won the opening game and are expected to add another victory on October 1. The top priority is to close the gap separating them from the archrivals and the first challenge is to win tonight against Elche.

Ancelotti has no reason to change anything in the starting formation, following the dazzling offensive display against Deportivo. His players were nothing short of impressive and they are expected to play tonight in the same manner, especially now that they have the support of their fans. Pressure is still mounting on Real Madrid to deliver and no false steps are allowed at this point.

Key Facts

• Real Madrid is fighting a war on two fronts and Ancelotti is a pragmatic manager who won't risk the fitness of his best players.
• The two teams met just twice and Real Madrid won on both occasions, scoring a total of five goals and allowing one

Real Madrid vs Elche Prediction

There is no question about the fact that Real Madrid starts as overwhelming favorite tonight, but the bookmakers are offering ridiculous odds for a home win. There is no value whatsoever in backing them, but it is definitely worth trusting Elche to cover the +2.5 goals spread at even odds with Unibet. Punters only need the visitors not to lose by three goals or more to double their investment.

Bet: Elche +2.5 goals @ 2.00 with Unibet