TIME TO MAKE AMENDS FOR LAST SEASON'S RESULT AT THE MARTÍNEZ VALERO

After a storming start at home to Rayo Vallecano and a frantic spell in the transfer window, it's time for the last match before the first international break of the season. Sevilla FC face another away trip after Monday's win against Getafe in the capital, and they are out to maintain their 100% record. Although the squad could see some changes, with the transfer window still open, Julen Lopetegui's well-oiled machine seems to be working as well as ever. However, today's fixture is at one of the five stadia where the team failed to pick up any points last season. 

Lopetegui is fully aware of this and has repeated it on many occasions since the final whistle on Monday night at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Elche won this fixture last season, with Lopetegui describing Sevilla as "well-beaten". He is under no illusions about today's match, and said that Elche's squad "has improved in every aspect, including players". The coach particularly emphasised the impact of their new signings, Darío Benedetto and Omar Mascarell, as well as the return of Pablo Piatti. Pedro Bigas is also available, and he could play in the three-man defence. 

Piatti and Bigas are available for Elche today

As for Sevilla, the travelling squad for today's fixture has not been announced, so it remains to be seen whether new signing Thomas Delaney will be able to feature. However, both Óliver Torres and Lucas Ocampos definitely will not feature due to injury. Traditionally, the Martínez Valero has not been a particularly unkind stadium for the Sevillistas, with last season's 2-1 loss breaking a recent unbeaten record. That is the only loss in the last six top-flight visits to Elche, and in the last twelve league meetings between the two sides.

Valentín Pizarro Gómez, from Castilla-La Mancha, is the referee for tonight's match. This is his third season officiating in LaLiga, and this is his fifth league match involving Sevilla. The team have picked up two wins, a draw and a loss when he has taken charge. Strangely enough, the defeat was this very fixture last season. José Luis González González is on VAR duty.