Platense vs Racing
Platense are currently facing trouble. Last Monday, the team showed a worrying version and suffered a disappointing 3-1 away defeat at arch-rivals Argentinos Juniors, who dominated the whole game. As a result, El Calamar made it four league matches without a win (drawing two and losing two), a streak that resulted in coach Sebastian Grazzini’s departure: El Calamar accumulated only six points in seven rounds so far. On a positive note, Platense are unbeaten in the last ten at home, with five victories and five stalemates in that spell. New coaches Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez will debut on Friday.
After a little slump two weeks ago, Racing Club produced an excellent recovery right on time: last Saturday, the team showed a solid performance to beat arch-rivals Independiente 1-0 away thanks to a strike from Adrian Martinez in the second half. That result represented the fourth victory across the last six league matches for La Academia, who drew one and lost one in that spell. As a result, Gustavo Costas’ men made it 13 points to climb into one of the playoff spots in group B, trailing leaders Godoy Cruz by six points. Furthermore, Racing made it ten unbeaten on away turf in domestic action (four victories and six stalemates). Juan Nardoni remains sidelined.
Racing are one of the best teams in the league and the win in the derby at Independiente was a massive morale boost. Platense just can’t catch a break, their coach left after another defeat so I’ll go for the OVER here as one of the worst defenses in the league (Platense conceded 10 goals) will host one of the best attacks (Racing is a top 3 offense in the league with 12 goals scored).