The regional derby, scheduled for this Saturday, is marked by the differing situations of the two teams. Elche, currently in the relegation zone, has an urgent need to secure three points to avoid falling further behind in the fight for survival. Meanwhile, Valencia seeks to avoid any complications and solidify their position in the standings.

This encounter is part of LaLiga's retro round, where both teams will wear special kits. Elche will sport a jersey with a narrower and higher stripe, reinstating the FC designation on their crest. Valencia, for its part, will pay homage to its early 1990s beginnings with an orange kit.

The team led by Eder Sarabia, who has not achieved any away victories, relies on their home performance, where they usually show their best form. Valencia, with a six-point advantage over the Elche team, aims to leave behind the ghosts of relegation and look towards higher positions, although they are nine points away from sixth place.

For the match, Elche faces several absences. Pedro Bigas will be unavailable due to suspension, while Héctor Fort, Grady Diangana, and Adam Boayar are injured. Midfielder Marc Aguado is doubtful due to muscle problems. However, Sarabia recovers Valencian center-back Víctor Chust, after serving his suspension, and John Chetauya, who has recovered from his physical issues. It will be a special match for Rafa Mir and Germán Valera, former Valencia players who will seek to prove themselves against their old team.

Valencia arrives in Elche with the feeling of having missed an opportunity to get closer to Europe in their last match against Celta de Vigo. Carlos Corberán's team is obliged to react to avoid getting closer to the relegation zone again. In addition to the already known absences of Julen Agirrezabala, Mouctar Diakhaby, Dimitri Foulquier, and José Copete, Unai Núñez is also out with a right hamstring injury suffered against Celta. The match can be followed through the program Punt a punt on À Punt Ràdio.