River vs Newell’s
River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo fielded a completely alternative XI last weekend at Gimnasia LP and his men had a rough afternoon, securing a lucky 1-1 away draw. El Millonario won only one of their last seven Liga Profesional matches, along with four stalemates and two defeats to make it 16 points. Following that streak, they have been displaced from the Copa Libertadores’ zone in the aggregate table. River remain unbeaten in their last 14 home matches in domestic action, winning eight and drawing six. On Wednesday 21, they won 2-1 against Talleres in the return leg of the Copa Libertadores’ round of 16 and advanced to the Quarterfinals. All regulars are available for Sunday, including Marcos Acuna (who has recently arrived from Spain’s Sevilla FC).
Newell’s Old Boys are getting worse game after game. Last time out, the team ended up losing to Racing Club 1-0 at home, with Juan Ignacio Ramirez missing a penalty in the 85th minute. La Lepra are now winless in their last five Liga Profesional matches, drawing two and losing three in that spell, and remain on 11 points in as many rounds in this competition. This poor campaign keeps them far away from the fight for a continental ticket in the aggregate table. Newell’s lost four of the last six on away turf, along with a single win and one draw. On Wednesday 21, they were eliminated by CA Central Cordoba in the Copa Argentina round of 16 after losing on the penalties shootout.
Newell’s are arguably one of the worst teams in the league right now. They won only 1 of the last 9, couldn’t score in the last 3 and will probably change coach very soon. Mood for River is perfect with the return of Marcelo Gallardo. World Cup champion Marcos Acuña might debut and they have have a good streak at home so I expect them to win here without finding much trouble.