Elche vs Deportivo Alaves Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, May 9th

Elche will face Deportivo Alavés in a crucial LaLiga clash on Saturday, May 9th. The match will take place at the Estadio Martínez Valero, where both teams will be eager to secure vital points. This encounter is significant as both sides are striving to improve their standings in the league, making every match a potential turning point in their season.

Elche, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Deportivo Alavés. Meanwhile, Alavés will aim to overcome the away challenge and disrupt Elche’s plans. With both teams having much at stake, this LaLiga fixture promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides keen to assert their dominance on the pitch.

Elche vs Deportivo Alaves Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Elche to Win	2.27

Given the recent form and conditions, I recommend betting on an Elche victory. Elche’s home performances have been solid, and they come into this match on an unbeaten streak. In contrast, Deportivo Alavés are struggling with inconsistencies and key player absences.

• Elche have scored in 88% of their home matches this season, showing their attacking prowess at home.
• Deportivo Alavés are missing key players like Lucas Boyé and Facundo Garcés, weakening their lineup.
• Elche’s unbeaten run and home advantage make them the favourites, with high confidence for a home win at solid value odds.

Betting Odds

Elche are stepping onto their home turf at Estadio Martínez Valero as the slight favourites with odds of 2.27. Deportivo Alavés, however, are not far behind at 3.21, making this a potentially lucrative bet for those backing the visitors.

Betting Tip	Odds
Elche to win	2.27
Draw	3.3
Deportivo Alaves to win	3.21

The draw is priced at 3.3, which could be tempting given the evenly matched nature of these two sides. For those looking at goal markets, consider the potential for a low-scoring affair, as both teams have shown defensive resilience in recent matches.

Elche Analysis & Past Performance

Elche have experienced a mixed bag of results recently, with their last five matches yielding three wins and two losses. Notably, they secured a significant 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, highlighting their potential against stronger opponents.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Celta Vigo	Elche	3 – 1 (Defeat)	LaLiga	3 May 2026
Real Oviedo	Elche	1 – 2 (Victory)	LaLiga	26 April 2026
Elche	Atletico Madrid	3 – 2 (Victory)	LaLiga	22 April 2026
Elche	Valencia	1 – 0 (Victory)	LaLiga	11 April 2026
Rayo Vallecano	Elche	1 – 0 (Defeat)	LaLiga	3 April 2026

Recent Form:

• LWWWL

Elche’s attacking prowess has been evident, averaging 1.4 goals per game in their last five outings. The team has demonstrated resilience in front of their home crowd, remaining unbeaten with three wins and two draws in their last five home fixtures. However, defensive frailties are apparent, with the team conceding an average of 1.4 goals per match and managing just one clean sheet in this period.

Elche Suspensions & Injuries

Elche face some key challenges as they prepare to take on Deportivo Alavés. The absence of Adam Boayar due to a muscle injury is a significant blow to their midfield options. His expected return in mid-May leaves a gap that might be filled by the likes of Marc Aguado, who is in the starting lineup. Yago Santiago is also listed as doubtful due to physical discomfort, further straining Elche’s depth in the middle of the park.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Adam Boayar	muscle injury	Mid-May 2026
Yago Santiago	physical discomfort	Doubtful

The tactical impact of these injuries could see Elche relying more on their defensive setup, possibly adopting a more conservative approach to counterbalance the lack of midfield dynamism. With key players like Aleix Febas and Gonzalo Villar available, the team might still maintain a balanced formation, but the creative spark Boayar provides will be missed.

While the injuries are unfortunate, they might not drastically alter the betting landscape, as Elche’s core defensive and attacking units remain intact. However, these absences could lead to a more cautious performance, potentially affecting goal expectations and match dynamics against Deportivo Alavés.

Elche Key Players

Elche’s attacking prowess will heavily rely on their top scorer, André Silva, who has impressively netted 10 goals this season. Silva’s clinical finishing and intelligent movement in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His ability to find space and convert chances will be crucial against Deportivo Alavés. Partnering him in attack is Álvaro Rodríguez, whose pace and agility complement Silva’s more physical style, potentially creating a dynamic duo upfront.

In midfield, Gonzalo Villar will be pivotal as the playmaker, orchestrating the team’s offensive plays with his vision and passing accuracy. His partnership with Aleix Febas, known for his work rate and ball-winning capabilities, provides a balanced midfield that can dictate the game’s tempo. Defensively, the experience of Pedro Bigas will be vital as he anchors the backline, utilising his positional awareness and leadership to maintain defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Elche

• Goalkeeper: Matías Dituro
• Defence: Tete Morente, John Donald, David Affengruber, Pedro Bigas, Adrià Pedrosa
• Midfield: Marc Aguado, Aleix Febas, Gonzalo Villar
• Forward: Álvaro Rodríguez, André Silva

Elche Tactics and Formation

Elche Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: André Silva
• Midfield Pivot: Marc Aguado and Aleix Febas
• Defensive Strength: Solid back five but only one clean sheet in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and defensive stability.

Elche’s use of the 5-3-2 formation under coach Eder Sarabia is primarily focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play. With a backline of five, including Tete Morente and Adrià Pedrosa as wing-backs, they aim to stifle opposition attacks while providing width in offensive transitions.

In the midfield, Marc Aguado and Aleix Febas are pivotal, orchestrating play and supporting both defensive and attacking phases. Their ability to retain possession is crucial, as seen in their previous match against Celta Vigo where they dominated possession despite a 1-3 loss.

Offensively, André Silva, Elche’s top scorer with 10 goals, alongside Álvaro Rodríguez, look to capitalise on counter-attacks. The team’s strategy often involves quick transitions, leveraging Silva’s finishing abilities. However, the absence of Rafa Mir due to injury could impact their attacking depth.

Deportivo Alaves Analysis & Past Performance

Deportivo Alavés have been struggling to find consistent form, reflected in their current LaLiga standing at 18th place. Over the last five matches, Alavés managed just one win, two draws, and suffered two losses. Their most recent encounter ended in a disappointing 2-4 defeat against Athletic Club at home, despite having an equal share of possession with 50%.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Deportivo Alaves	Athletic Club	2 – 4 (Loss)	La Liga	2 May 2026
Deportivo Alaves	Mallorca	2 – 1 (Win)	La Liga	25 Apr 2026
Real Madrid	Deportivo Alaves	2 – 1 (Loss)	La Liga	21 Apr 2026
Real Sociedad	Deportivo Alaves	3 – 3 (Draw)	La Liga	11 Apr 2026
Deportivo Alaves	Osasuna	2 – 2 (Draw)	La Liga	5 Apr 2026

Recent Form:
The team’s offensive output has been somewhat productive, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five outings. However, defensive frailties are evident as they have conceded an average of 2.40 goals per match, with no clean sheets recorded. This lack of defensive solidity has been a significant hurdle, impacting their ability to secure points.

On the road, Deportivo Alavés have struggled even more, with only one win in their last five away fixtures. Their away form has been a contributing factor to their precarious league position, with a win ratio of just 20%. Despite scoring in all five recent matches, the inability to prevent goals at the other end remains a persistent issue.

In terms of overall season performance, Alavés have scored in 24 out of 34 matches, indicating their capability to find the net. However, with only three clean sheets across the season, their defensive record is a primary concern. As they prepare to face Elche, they will need to address these defensive lapses to avoid further setbacks.

• LWLDD

Deportivo Alaves Suspensions & Injuries

Deportivo Alavés face a challenge with Carles Aleñá suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence in the midfield could disrupt their usual rhythm, as Aleñá’s ability to dictate play and maintain possession has been pivotal. To fill this void, Quique Sánchez Flores might turn to Denis Suárez, who can offer creativity and experience, albeit with a different style of play.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Carles Aleñá	yellow cards	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Carlos Benavídez remains doubtful with a leg injury, which could limit the squad’s options in terms of defensive midfield roles. Lucas Boyé is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected to return in mid-May. His absence in the attacking line-up might not alter the starting eleven significantly, as Ibrahim Diabaté is poised to lead the line.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Carlos Benavídez	leg injury	Doubtful
Lucas Boyé	hamstring injury	Mid May 2026

These absences may necessitate tactical adjustments, potentially shifting to a more conservative approach to maintain midfield solidity. The unavailability of key players could influence betting markets, suggesting a more cautious outlook for Deportivo Alavés against Elche.

Deportivo Alaves Key Players

Deportivo Alavés will be relying heavily on players like Antonio Martínez and Ibrahim Diabaté to spearhead their attack against Elche. Martínez, known for his agility and precision in the final third, will be crucial in converting chances created by the midfield. His partnership with Diabaté, who brings physicality and pace, could prove vital in breaking down Elche’s defensive line. In the midfield, Denis Suárez stands out as a key playmaker, capable of dictating the tempo and providing incisive passes that could unlock the opposition’s defence.

In defence, the presence of Jonny Otto and Nahuel Tenaglia will be critical. Otto’s experience and leadership at the back are expected to provide stability, while Tenaglia’s versatility allows him to support both defensive and offensive plays. These players’ tactical awareness and ability to read the game will be essential in maintaining a solid defensive structure and launching counter-attacks effectively.

Expected lineup for Deportivo Alavés

• Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
• Defence: Ángel Pérez, Jonny Otto, Nahuel Tenaglia, Víctor Parada, Abderrahman Rebbach
• Midfield: Pablo Ibáñez, Antonio Blanco, Denis Suárez
• Forward: Antonio Martínez, Ibrahim Diabaté

Deportivo Alaves Tactics and Formation

Deportivo Alavés Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Antonio Martínez
• Midfield Anchor: Antonio Blanco
• Defensive Line: Five-man setup with no clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on defensive solidity and counterattacking through the wings.

Deportivo Alavés, under the guidance of Quique Sánchez Flores, deploy a 5-3-2 formation. This setup is designed to offer defensive resilience, with Antonio Sivera in goal, protected by a back five that includes Ángel Pérez and Jonny Otto as wing-backs. The central defensive trio of Nahuel Tenaglia, Víctor Parada, and Abderrahman Rebbach aims to provide a solid barrier against opposition attacks.

In midfield, Antonio Blanco plays a pivotal role, supported by Pablo Ibáñez and Denis Suárez. This trio is tasked with maintaining possession and transitioning the ball effectively to the forwards. Antonio Martínez, alongside Ibrahim Diabaté, leads the line in attack, offering pace and physical presence to challenge opposition defences.

Offensively, Alavés tend to focus on counterattacks, utilising the width provided by their wing-backs and the creativity of Denis Suárez in midfield. Despite their defensive setup, they have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches, highlighting a potential vulnerability at the back.

Elche vs Deportivo Alaves H2H Record

Elche and Deportivo Alavés have faced off 19 times, with Alavés holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record at 9 wins to Elche’s 7, alongside 3 draws. The last encounter saw Alavés triumph 3-1 at home in LaLiga, showcasing their current upper hand.

The last time Elche hosted Alavés in LaLiga was back in February 2022, where they secured a solid 3-1 victory. This suggests that Elche can be formidable on their home turf, despite the overall H2H leaning towards Alavés.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Deportivo Alaves	Elche	3 – 1	La Liga	2025-10-05
Elche	Deportivo Alaves	3 – 1	La Liga	2022-02-05
Deportivo Alaves	Elche	1 – 0	La Liga	2021-10-26
Elche	Deportivo Alaves	1 – 0	Friendly	2021-07-31
Elche	Deportivo Alaves	0 – 2	La Liga	2021-05-11