Banfield vs Argentinos Jrs
Geronimo Rivera’s first goal as a professional footballer (in the 94th minute) allowed Banfield to take a massive 1-0 away success at Instituto in round three, with goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses in superb form. Following that success, El Taladro made it two consecutive victories in the Copa Liga Profesional to accumulate six points from nine on offer (group A leaders alongside Huracan, Talleres, Colon, Velez Sarsfield and Independiente). Having lost just one of their last nine in league action (five wins and three draws), they also opened a six-point gap over the relegation spot in the aggregate table (occupied by Gimnasia LP). Banfield are unbeaten in their last four at home, having grabbed ten points from 12 available.
Under interim boss Cristian Zermatten after Gabriel Milito’s departure, Argentinos Juniors wasted a big chance of securing three points in their last league game, when they ended up drawing 2-2 against Atletico Tucuman at home after taking a 2-0 lead at one point. El Bicho made it four points in three Copa Liga Profesional rounds to remain occupying one of the Copa Sudamericana places in the aggregate table despite having won only one of their last four in league action (one draw and two losses). Argentinos took four points from 12 available in their last four domestic matches on the road, having won one, drawn one and lost two. Coach Pablo Guede will make his debut on Friday.
Banfield has looked solid lately, the opposite of Argentinos who will have the debut of a new coach, so I’ll go with the hosts to at least avoid a defeat.