Banfield vs Racing

Banfield wasted a big chance of lifting a league title a month ago, when they lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors in the Copa Liga Profesional’s final in San Juan. In the context of that remarkable campaign, Javier Sanguinetti’s men lost only one of their last eight matches in regular time, having won four and drawn three. At home, they took seven points from the last nine available. Two important players were sold during the break: Claudio Bravo (to MLS outfit Atlanta United) and Jorge Rodriguez (Estudiantes). There are no new signings so far.

Racing Club produced a poor campaign across the Copa Liga Profesional while they were prioritising the Copa Libertadores, but they improved afterwards. The side are on four league matches unbeaten (two wins and two draws) having beaten Newell’s Old Boys 3-1 at home in their last official game. On a sorry note, La Academia earned only two points in their last six away league matches. Coach Sebastian Beccacece left the club during the break and Juan Antonio Pizzi arrived to replace him. Captain Lisandro Lopez also waved goodbye to join MLS outfit Atlanta United and Augusto Solari signed for Celta in Spain.

Both lost important players in the offseason but while Banfield kept the base of the team that reached the final, Racing looks very renewed, with a new coach, and it should take them some time to adjusto to this changes so I’m going with the hosts.

BET: Banfield DNB @ 1.80