Rosario Central vs Independiente
Rosario Central are on three consecutive defeats in league action after their 1-0 away loss at newly-promoted side Sarmiento last time out, when coach Cristian Gonzalez decided to pick an alternative XI. As a result, El Canalla remain on three points in the Liga Profesional, having lost four games in five rounds. Those points were grabbed at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, where Central beat Velez Sarsfield 1-0 and lost to Aldosivi 2-1 so far in this competition. On Tuesday 10, the team lost 4-3 against Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil) at home in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana’s quarter-finals. Lucas Gamba is still a doubt due to his muscle issues. An alternative XI is expected for Saturday.
Independiente beat arch-rivals Racing Club 1-0 at home last Sunday thanks to a goal from striker Silvio Romero in the second half. El Rojo are now on 11 points, one above Lanus and Newell’s Old Boys. The victory also allowed them to climb into one of the Copa Libertadores’ spots in the 2021 aggregate table. On away turf, Julio Falcioni’s men are on five matches unbeaten in league action, winning two and drawing three in regular time.
Independiente got a morale boost last weekend after winning the derby against Racing, and they should be able to win and retake the first place of the league against a Rosario Central that will use a mixed lineup due to their upcoming midweek game at Brazil.