Rosario Central – Velez

Rosario Central are slightly returning to their usual skills. Last time out, the team produced a good performance to beat Huracan 1-0 at Home, with Jaminton Campaz netting the winner in the first half. El Canalla made it two league wins in a row to accumulate 11 points in the Copa Liga Profesional group A and also approached the Copa Libertadores’ spots in the aggregate table, trailing fourth-placed San Lorenzo by just two points. Furthermore, Central made it 25 home matches unbeaten, with 13 successes and 12 stalemates in that time. Coach Miguel Angel Russo has no new injuries nor suspensions to contend with on Thursday. Ignacio Malcorra will replace Maximiliano Lovera in the only expected change.

Velez Sarsfield played one of their best games this season last time out and secured a much-needed 3-1 home success over Atletico Tucuman, scoring all three goals in the first 18 minutes of the game. El Fortin are producing a decent campaign in the Copa Liga Profesional, having lost only one of their last four matches (with two victories and one draw) to accumulate 13 points, missing the playoff zone only by goal difference. However, they also are just two points above the relegation zone in the aggregate table. Velez are winless in their last six away matches, drawing two and losing four.

Once again Central are getting no respect by bookmakers despite their amazing home streak, and while Velez looked improved lately I’ll trust the hosts again here.

BET: Rosario Central -0.25 @ 2.15