Newell’s vs Rosario Central
Newell’s Old Boys are now suffering a little slump after an excellent start. On Monday, they succumbed to a devastating 2-0 away defeat at Estudiantes, having conceded twice in the latest minutes of the game. La Lepra made it two consecutive Copa Liga Profesional losses, but they remain on 12 points, which is still enough to hold onto one of the playoff spots in group B. At home, Newell’s took three points from six available at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa this term. Playmaker Ever Banega is suspended for Sunday’s derby after seeing a red card at Estudiantes.
Rosario Central played their best game in the 2024 Copa Liga Profesional so far last weekend, when they managed to beat Gimnasia LP 2-1 at home with Carlos Quintana and Luca Martinez Dupuy scoring. The defending champions are still producing an irregular campaign this term, accumulating eight points as a result of two victories, two draws and two defeats.
Newell’s missing their best and most experienced player, Ever Banega, on the big Rosario city derby has to be a huge problem for them. They’ve struggled lately after a good start, conceding 6 goals and losing their last two games, so even if the defending champions Rosario Central has been irregular so far this season, it’s been 15 years since Newell’s last win in the derby at home and they could be in trouble here as well.