Lanus’ alternative XI had enough to beat Aldosivi 2-1 away last Sunday and grab their first three points in the second stage. That means Luis Zubeldia’s men claimed three victories in their last four domestic matches, along with a single defeat. El Granate also won their last home game in this competition (1-0 over Talleres), which stopped a five-game winless run at Estadio Nestor Diaz Perez in domestic action (two draws, three defeats). Lanus won 3-1 at Independiente on Thursday 17 in the return leg of the Copa Sudamericana’s quarter-finals to advance to the semi-finals. Lautaro Acosta and Nicolas Orsini have overcome their respective injuries and are available.
Defensa y Justicia produced a promising debut in the Fase Complementacion last Sunday when beating Union Santa Fe 3-1 away in spite of Hernan Crespo’s decision to field an alternative XI. It was El Halcon’s first success in this competition after two draws and four defeats. Defensa also stopped a four-match winless run of two stalemates and two losses on the road in domestic action. On Wednesday 16, they won 1-0 at home over Bahia from Brazil in the return leg of the Copa Sudamericana’s quarter-finals which means the side made it to the semi-finals. Defensive midfielder Raul Loaiza is available after overcoming a muscle problem. Coach Hernan Crespo will pick a mixed XI here ahead of next Wednesday’s game against Estudiantes at home (postponed in March), which could give Defensa a ticket for the next Copa Libertadores.
Both advanced to the Copa Sudamericana semifinals midweek but Defensa has an important game on Wednesday, and going to Lanus with a mixed lineup means that they can’t be favourites here.