Elche CF vs Valencia CF

Elche desperately need points in this Matchday 31 survival battle at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. Rooted in 18th with 29 points, the hosts know a home win could be the difference between staying up and dropping to the second division. Valencia, six points clear in 14th, aren't entirely safe yet — defeat here would reignite their own relegation worries with eight games left. Neither side arrives in good nick. Elche's defensive unit is badly hit: Pedro Bigas serves a suspension, and Grady Diangana and Hector Fort remain doubts, leaving the burden on top scorer Rafa Mir (8 league goals) to provide a cutting edge. Valencia blew a lead to lose 3-2 to Celta Vigo at home last week and travel without injured defenders José Copete and Mouctar Diakhaby. The visitors hold a six-game unbeaten run in this fixture, but Elche's backs are firmly against the wall. Home desperation and a depleted Valencia backline could cancel out that historical edge in what promises to be a tight, nervy affair. Our prediction: 1-1