Newell’s vs Talleres
Newell’s Old Boys are now experiencing a poor moment of form in the league. On Monday, the team had nothing to do against Boca Juniors’ solid performance and ended up losing 2-1 away. As a result, La Lepra claimed a single victory across their last eight matches in this competition, along with five stalemates and two defeats. Gabriel Heinze’s men remain on 34 points in 26 games, which means they are now trailing the last Copa Sudamericana berth by four. On a positive note, Newell’s are unbeaten in their last six domestic matches at home, having won two and drawn four in that time.
Talleres fans will have felt frustrated after their 2-2 home stalemate against Gimnasia LP last Monday, when the team wasted a 2-0 lead in an entertaining game. However, La T extended their unbeaten streak to five league matches (two victories and three draws) to continue sitting into second spot of the Liga Profesional table on 49 points, leading Estudiantes (who occupy the first non-Copa Libertadores berth) by seven. Talleres won four of their last six away matches in this competition, drawing one and losing one. Gaston Benavidez, Juan Carlos Portillo and Rodrigo Villagra are suspended for Friday as they have all reached the yellow-card limit.
Talleres looked relaxed last week after almost securing the 2nd place of the league, and even though Newell’s has struggled lately they are still a strong team at home and should be able to avoid a defeat.