Banfield vs Deportivo Riestra
Banfield saved a massive point in a thrilling derby last Sunday, when they managed a 1-1 away draw at arch-rivals Lanus following Milton Gimenez’s strike in the 96th minute of the game. Even though that’s good news, El Taladro are yet to win in the Copa Liga Profesional, accumulating only four points in seven matches, just two above bottom-placed Tigre in the aggregate table, and also having not won any of their last eight league encounters (five draws and three losses). At home, Banfield grabbed a single point from nine on offer this term without even scoring.
Deportivo Riestra seem to be adapting to life in the top flight. Last Monday, the team managed a valuable point at one of the best teams in group B, drawing 1-1 away to Defensa y Justicia in a hard-fought game. However, having claimed a single victory in seven rounds this term (along with two stalemates and four losses), they accumulated just five points, which keeps them bottom in the point-average table so far. Riestra drew two and lost one away from their own stadium this season.
Banfield are one of the few winless teams in the league, but I expect that the last second draw in the derby at Lanus gives them the confidence they are lacking. Riestra will miss one of their best defenders, Nicolas Dematei and also defender Pedro Ramirez, so this looks like a good opportunity for Banfield to finally get a win this season.