Our Elche vs Barcelona predictions look ahead to the La Liga champions’ first game of 2026/27. Will they get the job done, or might there be a surprise here?Elche vs Barcelona head to head overviewDate: Sunday 23rd August.Kick-off: 8.30pm.Venue: Estadio Martinez Valero, Elche, Spain.Where to watch: Premier Sports 1.Elche vs Barcelona quick tipsBarcelona -1.5 Asian handicap – 7/8 with bet365Barcelona to score in both halves – 5/6 with BoyleSportsRaphina to score any time – 6/5 with SBKElche vs Barcelona predictionsHaving triumphed in 2024/25 and 2025/26, Barcelona are targeting a third successive La Liga title this term.The priority for the Catalans is winning a first Champions League for over a decade, but another domestic championship would move them closer to Real Madrid in the all-time rankings.A third consecutive success would also match the achievement of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona between 2009 and 2011.Barca have bolstered their squad in the summer transfer market, bringing in Rodri and Anthony Gordon from the Premier League, as well as Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.Robert Lewandowski departed at the end of his contract and Ferran Torres has been sold to Paris Saint-Germain, but overall Barcelona look in pretty good shape.Rodri in particular is an eye-catching addition. The Spain international showed his enduring class at World Cup 2026, where he won the Golden Ball for his role in the country’s success.At 30 years of age, Rodri is not a signing for the long-term. He has been bought for the here and now, as Barcelona attempt to conquer Europe as well as Spain.The bookies have them down as narrow title favourites, although Real Madrid will be desperate to get back on top under the returning Jose Mourinho.Elche vs Barcelona tipsBarcelona will kick-start the 2026/27 La Liga season against Elche this weekend.Comfortable night for BarcaSurvival was the aim for Elche last season following promotion in 2024/25, so a 15th-place finish was more than adequate.Avoiding the drop is the principal objective again this term, but the bookies expect Elche to be there or thereabouts in the relegation battle.This is therefore an ideal first game for Barcelona, who should prove too strong for Elche on Sunday evening.Elche drew 1-1 with Deportivo La Coruna in their first outing of the campaign, but a defeat by a two-goal margin or more awaits this weekend. Tip Barcelona -1.5 Asian handicap at 7/8 with bet365 Elche’s defence will struggleBarcelona will need to play with greater control in the knockout phase of the Champions League this season, but they will continue with their attacking style of play in La Liga.The Blaugrana scored 95 goals in 38 league matches in 2025/26, an average of 2.5 per 90 minutes.They will pose a real threat to Elche’s backline this weekend, with the hosts set to be tested in many different ways.Barcelona should find the back of the net either side of the interval at the Estadio Martinez Valero. Go for Barcelona to score in both halves at 5/6 with BoyleSports Who will find net?Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have both moved on this summer, so Barcelona will play with a different striker this term.The two main contenders for the role this weekend are Anthony Gordon and Hamza Abdelkarim, the 18-year-old who was Barcelona’s leading goal-getter in pre-season.One man who is guaranteed a place in the frontline against Elche is Raphinha, who is likely to start on the left.After an injury-hit World Cup, the Brazil international will be chomping at the bit to get going again. Raphinha is our pick to make the net bulge as Barcelona return to La Liga action. Back Raphinha to score any time at 6/5 with SBK Elche vs Barcelona predicted lineupsElche expected lineup: Dituro; Chust, Affengruber, Redondo; Sangare, Villar, Aguado, Neto, Valera; Houary, Nino.Barcelona expected lineup: J. Garcia; Kounde, Christensen, Martin, Balde; Lopez, Bernal, Espart; Yamal, Gordon, Raphinha.Elche vs Barcelona latest oddsFind the latest Elche vs Barcelona betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakersand are subject to change.Elche: 8/1 with BoyleSportsDraw: 9/2 with SBKBarcelona: 1/3 with bet365More La Liga predictionsWe have plenty more La Liga predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Elche vs Barcelona for bettingBarcelona have a strong recent record in this fixture, having won each of their last 13 meetings with Elche. The last time Barca dropped points against Elche was a 0-0 draw in October 2014.Last meeting: 31st January 2026; Elche 1-3 Barcelona.Last 6 matches: Elche wins – 0; Barcelona wins – 6; Draws – 0.About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.