Newell’s – Estudiantes

Newell’s Old Boys were lucky to salvage a point on their visit to San Lorenzo last Saturday, when drawing 1-1 after playing far below the fans’ expectations. La Lepra continue producing an irregular campaign in the Liga Profesional, accumulating 11 points after winning only one of their last five matches (along with two stalemates and two defeats), which prevents them from climbing into one of the Copa Sudamericana spots in the aggregate table. Newell’s also produced a poor campaign at home this season, winning four, drawing three and losing four. Captain Ever Banega won’t feature due to a muscle injury. Right back Armando Mendez succumbed to a muscle problem at San Lorenzo and will miss out on Friday. Left back Angelo Martino reached the yellow-card limit and is suspended.

Estudiantes showed an excellent recovery in the best possible moment. Last Sunday, the team played an enjoyable second half to secure a highly celebrated 4-1 home success over arch-rivals Gimnasia LP. El Pincha put an end to their five-match winless streak of three stalemates and two losses to make it 12 points in the Liga Profesional and climb into third spot of the aggregate table (they are already qualified for the 2025 Copa Libertadores as Copa Liga Profesional champions though).

Newell’s won’t have veteran Ever Banega in midfield, their best player, and right back Mendez who is a key player as well. Estudiantes comes from a big win in the derby so mood is the best they’ve been in months and I can’t see them losing here.

BET: Estudiantes DNB @ 2.15