Newell’s vs Gimnasia
After coach Javier Sanguinetti’s resignation, Newell’s Old Boys took a little breather by beating Velez Sarsfield 1-0 away from home thanks to a goal from Juan Manuel Garcia in the second half under interim boss Gustavo Tognarelli. That result allowed them to stop a two-game losing streak in the Liga Profesional, accumulating 23 points in 17 rounds so far. Therefore, La Lepra remain occupying one of the Copa Sudamericana places in the aggregate table. At home, Newell’s won only one of their last six matches, drawing three and losing two. On Wednesday 7, the team lost 2-1 to Talleres in the Copa Argentina round of 16. Midfielder Pablo Perezserved his one-game suspension but remains unavailable due to a muscle injury. Centre back Willer Ditta succumbed to a pubis problem and won’t feature. Julian Fernandez, Cristian Lema, Armando Mendez and Ramiro Sordo will miss out again on Sunday.
Gimnasia LP stay tough on their first for the title. Last weekend, the team came from behind to beat Independiente 3-1 at home in an entertaining game. As a result, they extended their unbeaten streak to eight league matches (five wins and three draws) and reached the top of the Liga Profesional table on 33 points, level with Atletico Tucuman after 17 rounds. On the road, El Lobo have been without defeat in their last four, having claimed two victories and two stalemates since losing to River Plate in July.
Newell’s are not only in terrible form but also they will have way too many missings. Gimnasia can become leaders with a win and I expect them at least not to lose.