Gimnasia vs Sarmiento
Gimnasia LP succumbed to a heavy blow in round 17, when they were dominated from beginning to end and lost 2-0 to Godoy Cruz away at Gimnasia Mendoza. That defeat broke their four-match unbeaten streak of three victories and one draw in league action, which means Sebastian Romero’s men remain on 21 points, a decent campaign that keeps them far away from relegation threats. On a positive note, Gimnasia lost only one of their last seven home matches in this competition, winning four and drawing two.
Sarmiento continue increasing their points tally to stay safe from relegation threats. Last Sunday, they settled for a scoreless draw against Huracan at home, leaving good impressions despite seeing a red card. Israel Damonte’s men made it four league matches unbeaten (two victories and two stalemates) to accumulate 23 points in 17 rounds, an excellent campaign that places them five points above the first relegation spot in the point-average table, occupied by Platense. Sarmiento also won their last two away matches (over CA Central Cordoba and Union Santa Fe).
Gimnasia looks improved lately but will have important missings here due to injuries (midfielder Tarragona, striker Dominguez) and international duty (striker Miramon is with the U20 NT) so I’ll trust the solid Sarmiento to take something from this game.