Elche welcome Valencian region rivals Villarreal on the back of a much-needed win last time out, beating Espanyol 2-1 thanks to two goals from Pere Milla. That followed a 2-1 win over Segunda leaders Almeria in the Copa del Rey. Three games without a defeat, also drawing with Granada in La Liga, and they come into this one two points clear of the drop zone, sitting 16th in the table. Francisco will be hoping his men can keep up the charge away from the bottom three having had a very difficult start to the season, one that cost them fan favourite boss Fran Escriba. Villarreal picked up a good point last time out, but they should have picked up two more, dominating much of their clash with Atletico Madrid but drawing 2-2. Pau Torres and Alberto Moreno were on target, the latter having his best scoring season to date. Villarreal have now lost just one of their last six games across all competitions and none of their last five in La Liga. They are now in eighth place, four points off the top four. The Yellow Submarine have scored 12 goals in their last three La Liga games, and they will fancy their chances of continuing their success in front of goal against the fifth worst back-line in the league. Villarreal are strong favourites here. 0:2