River vs Colon
River Plate found difficulties last weekend following coach Martin Demichelis’ decision to rest most of the usual starters: the team were dominated for most of the time and suffered an unexpected 2-1 away defeat at Barracas Central. That result put an end to their five-match unbeaten streak of four victories and one draw in league action. However, El Millonario remain as the comfortable leaders in the Liga Profesional table, accumulating 50 points (nine ahead of Talleres and San Lorenzo). Furthermore, River hold an impressive eight-match winning streak at their own stadium in domestic action.
Colon played one of their worst matches of the season and ended up suffering a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Racing Club last Sunday, when the visitors dominated the whole game and could have claimed a wider victory. El Sabalero dropped down to the 22nd spot of the Liga Profesional table as they remain on 24 points (five above Huracan, who are currently losing their top-flight status via the aggregate table) after winning only one of their last seven matches in this competition (along with four stalemates and two losses). In fact, Colon have been winless in their last five away matches, drawing three and losing two since early April, when they beat Boca Juniors 2-1. Left back Rafael Delgado is suspended for Friday after seeing a red card against Racing Club while Baldomero Perlaza returns from his ban.
River must have learned a lesson after resting some regulars last weekend in their defeat at Barracas and they will be focused to overcome that bad result. They can win the championship in the next round if they win here, and I don’t see how Colon can avoid a defeat after losing 0-4 at home a few days ago.