Newell’s – Defensa y Justicia

Newell’s Old Boys’ crisis are getting deeper as the season is about to end. Two weeks ago, they succumbed to a heartbreaking 1-0 away defeat at Boca Juniors after conceding in the 89th minute. La Lepra made it four league matches without a win (drawing one and losing three) to remain on 15 points in the Copa Liga Profesional group B. That disappointing campaign leaves them without any relevant aims to chase in this last game: out of the fight for a Copa Sudamericana ticket and also out of the playoffs quest. At home, Newell’s took a single point from the last 12 available. Midfielder Ivan Gomez reached the yellow-card limit and is suspended for Monday. Brian Aguirre is available after missing a couple of games injured.

Defensa y Justicia are going through a crisis in the worst possible spell of the season. Last time out, they succumbed to an unlucky 1-0 home defeat to San Lorenzo in a six-pointer regarding the continental tickets, a result that extended their winless streak to five league matches (two stalemates and three losses). Therefore, El Halcon remain on 14 points in the Copa Liga Profesional group B, which places them four points behind the last Copa Libertadores’ berth in the aggregate table. On away turf, Defensa claimed a single victory along their last eight in domestic action, drawing three and losing four. On Thursday 23, Defensa won 1-0 over San Lorenzo in the Copa Argentina semi-finals.

Last game for Heinze coaching Newell’s, they will meet a relaxed Defensa that will be thinking about resting their players to have them ready for the Copa Argentina final so even if Newell’s hasn’t been exactly reliable lately, they will have Brian Aguirre back and I expect them to finish the season with a win.

BET: Newell’s -0.5 @ 1.99