Elche vs Alaves - La Liga

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on May 9, 2026 as Elche and Alaves prepare to square off at the home ground, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the La Liga. He experienced victory in his only Old Firm appearance as a Gers player, but Sunday will be his first taste of the fixture in the dugout.

Both Elche and Alaves will be eager to build momentum when they meet in La Liga. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with D across their last five and a campaign win rate of 0% that makes for grim reading. Alaves travel in decent nick, LL in their last five and a win rate of 50% this season. Where Elche have built their campaign on solidity, Alaves have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Following a two-year stint in Seattle, Ogwumike continues to produce elite numbers in her 2026 campaign, averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for the Sparks.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. However, the Scotland striker has not hit the ground running in Govan and was on the bench for the 5-1 home League Cup win over St Mirren on Sunday, with midfielder Nico Raskin taking the armband.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the La Liga table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.