Argentinos Juniors vs Newell’s
Argentinos Juniors managed a valuable point on their visit to Independiente in the Liga Profesional’s opener following a 0-0 draw, with coach Gabriel Milito fielding a completely alternative XI. Following that result, El Bicho are now only one point away from the Copa Sudamericana spots and they also extended the unbeaten streak to eight league matches (three victories and five draws). At home, Argentinos are on five without defeat in domestic action, winning three and drawing two.
Coach Fernando Gamboa had a happy debut on his return to Newell’s Old Boys as his team claimed a heroic 3-2 home victory over Talleres after trailing 2-0 at one point. In fact, La Lepra stopped their winless run of three league games, during which they had earned a single point. On a sorry note, Newell’s are on two consecutive league losses on away turf (to Gimnasia LP 2-1 and Rosario Central 3-0). Striker Ignacio Scocco saw a red card against Talleres and is suspended. Defensive midfielder Julian Fernandez had to be replaced due to a muscle injury and will miss out. Pablo Perez and Maximiliano Rodriguez remain sidelined.
Argentinos was eliminated from Copa Libertadores midweek but they were playing against the best team of the last decade in Argentina, River Plate, so it was kind of expected. Newell’s will have so many missings, last week they were lucky to come back and win from being 0-2 down, but without so many important players tonight, they should be in trouble.