Defensa y Justicia vs Newell’s
Defensa y Justicia put up a good fight away at league leaders Independiente last Friday to secure a scoreless draw. Sebastian Beccacece’s men have been improving lately: they lost only one of their last five league matches, having won two and drawn two to make it eight points in the Liga Profesional. Furthermore, El Halcon are on two consecutive victories at their own stadium, having beaten Gimnasia LP and Sarmiento.
Newell’s Old Boys registered a 1-1 home draw in the city derby against Rosario Central last Sunday. Even though the fans should have felt disappointed, La Lepra are experiencing a positive run in general terms: they won two and drew two of the last five, only losing to Racing Club in that stretch. Therefore, Fernando Gamboa’s men accumulated 11 points to occupy 11th place in the league table. On a sorry note, Newell’s managed a single point from the last 15 on offer on away turf in league action (since beating Lanus 3-1 in April). Striker Jonathan Cristaldo succumbed to a muscle problem in the derby against Rosario Central and will miss out. Maximiliano Rodriguez and Julian Fernandez remain sidelined.
Defensa is strong at home and they should take advantage of a Newell’s with some important missing.