Estudiantes vs Banfield
Estudiantes took a valuable point on their visit to Defensa y Justicia last Sunday, when drawing 1-1 in an intense game. However, the point can also be seen as bad news as they played against ten men since the 22nd minute. In general terms, El Pincha are experiencing excellent form lately: they are unbeaten in the last eight league games, with six victories and two draws in that time, which places them in fifth spot of the Liga Profesional table on 28 points. At home, Estudiantes are on six domestic matches unbeaten, winning four and drawing two since losing to Lanus 2-0 in round three.
Banfield new coach Julio Falcioni started his fifth spell at the club in a disappointing way: the team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 home loss against San Lorenzo after conceding in stoppage time. That result means El Taladro are now winless in the last four league matches (two draws and two defeats). The side remain on 15 points in 16 games and relegation is now a threat for them: the gap over the first drop spot in the point-average table, occupied by Platense, is now four points. On away turf, Banfield managed only five points from 21 on offer, winning one, drawing two and losing four.
Estudiantes are as solid lately as they’ve been the last few years, and they should be able to beat this poor and irregular Banfield.