Newell’s vs Arsenal
Thanks to a strike from Juan Manuel Garcia in the first half, Newell’s Old Boys secured a valuable 1-0 away success at Union Santa Fe last Friday. That result allowed them to stop a two-match losing streak in league action. Accumulating 32 points in the Liga Profesional, La Lepra remain occupying one of the Copa Sudamericana places in the aggregate table and still holding a chance of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. Newell’s have been irregular at home in this competition, registering three victories, four draws and three losses so far.
Sarandi Arsenal are still unable to secure their top-flight status for next season. Last time out, the team showed a poor version and ended up losing to Independiente 2-0 at home. That result represented their second defeat in league action. In fact, El Viaducto won a single game across their last ten in this competition (drawing four and losing five) and remain on 23 points after 22 rounds, which places them seven points above the first relegation place in the respective table, occupied by Patronato at the moment. On away turf, Arsenal are on seven games without a win (three stalemates and four losses).
Newell’s is getting back the players that were out due to injuries and they come from a good win at Union, so I expect them to continue on this path against the poor Arsenal.