Banfield vs Newell’s
Banfield continue to struggle at the start of the season. Last Saturday, they were clearly outmatched by Racing Club’s quality and ended up losing 2–0 at home, in a match that was nevertheless marked by a controversial disallowed goal from Ignacio Pais when the score was still level. As a result, El Taladro lost their last two games and have collected just four points from the first five rounds of the Torneo Apertura, remaining in the lower part of the overall standings. In fact, they are still 27th in the relegation averages table after winning only one of their last seven league matches (two draws and four defeats). Banfield have also won just one of their last four at home (one draw and two losses).
Thanks to a penalty converted by Juan Ignacio Ramírez in the 88th minute, Newell’s Old Boys rescued a point in their visit to Deportivo Riestra with a 1-1 draw. However, the team continue to deliver a very poor level of performance. In fact, they have collected only two points in the Torneo Apertura, which leaves them in the penultimate position of the overall standings. Considering last season as well, La Lepra are now on a six-match winless run in league play (two draws and four defeats) and have won just one of their last ten away matches (three draws and six losses). Matías Cóccaro suffered a muscle injury and will not be available on Saturday.
Two of the worst teams in the league meet here and I can’t expect anything but a very poor game but at these odds Banfield is worth a bet. Newell’s will miss their best striker Matias Coccaro and defender Mosquera who left the club, and I can’t see how they will get any better with this very poor squad.