Gimnasia left behind a complicated season and had a happy debut in 2024, beating Talleres 1-0 away thanks to an own goal from Matias Catalan in the second half. Leonardo Madelon’s men made it two consecutive victories in league action to accumulate their first three points in group A. On a sorry note, Gimnasia lost their last two matches at home (to River Plate and Atletico Tucuman, both 2-1). Gustavo Canto (sent off at Talleres) and David Zalazar (knee problem), who are now replacing Nicolas Colazo and Matias Abaldo due to different reasons, are also unavailable.

Independiente Rivadavia showed a worthy version on their return to the top flight, but lacked effectiveness up front and ended up succumbing to a 1-0 home defeat against Independiente in coach Rodolfo De Paoli’s debut. That result stopped their six-match unbeaten streak of four victories and two draws. On away turf, El Azul have been unbeaten in their last five matches, with two victories and three stalemates since losing to Racing Cordoba 2-0 in July. Ezequiel Ham, involved in the AFC Cup with Syria’s national squad, is the only absentee for Tuesday.

I’m still not convinced by Gimnasia despite their lucky win at Talleres in the 1st round, so even though Independiente Rivadavia lost at home, I think they won’t be as much under pressure as they were at home in their debut in the top division after 40 years. This should be a very balanced game, so I can see value on the visitors to avoid a defeat.