Arsenal vs Independiente
Sarandi Arsenal returned to their usual form and weren’t able to secure points on their visit to Sarmiento last Saturday, losing 2-0 following a poor performance. Leonardo Madelon’s men remain on 23 points in the Liga Profesional after winning only one of their last nine league matches (along with four draws and four defeats). As a result, El Viaducto are still threatened by relegation (sitting nine points above the first drop spot in the respective table, occupied by Aldosivi).
Independiente continues to improve game after game. Last Saturday, the team managed another valuable victory, beating Newell’s Old Boys 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Leandro Benegas in the second half. El Rojo secured their fourth consecutive success in league action to make it 27 points in the Liga Profesional. Thanks to that positive streak, they hold a tiny chance of fighting for a Copa Sudamericana ticket (sitting now seven points behind the last qualifying berth) after a disappointing season in general terms. Independiente won their last two away games at Sarmiento and Union Santa Fe.
Independiente lost midweek in Copa Argentina but they are still very much improved from the team they were a month ago, so I don’t expect them to lose here against this poor Arsenal.