River vs Barracas Central
River Plate wasted a big chance of approaching the table toppers last Saturday, when they had to settle for a 1-1 away stalemate at newly-promoted side Tigre following a disappointing performance. El Millonario extended their unbeaten streak to five league matches (three victories and two draws), but they are still on 26 points, trailing leaders Atletico Tucuman by six. On a positive note, Marcelo Gallardo’s men hold onto their Copa Libertadores berth in the aggregate table. River won their last two matches at their own stadium by a three-goal margin (over Newell’s Old Boys and CA Central Cordoba).
Barracas Central took advantage of an own goal from Paolo Goltz last Sunday to celebrate a big 1-0 home success over Colon. Thanks to that victory, El Guapo made it two victories and one defeat since coach Rodolfo De Paoli’s return to the club and accumulated 20 points in the Liga Profesional to stay safe from relegation threats (occupying 14th spot in the respective table on their return to the top flight. On away turf, Barracas managed only one point from the last 12 on offer since beating Talleres in early July. Â
River has been flying high at home scoring a lot and they come from another big 4-0 midweek in Copa Argentina, so I expect them to continue with this run against a poor Barracas.