San Lorenzo vs Belgrano
San Lorenzo took a step back in the context of a good moment of form two weeks ago, when they couldn’t hold onto their lead and ended up losing to Racing Club 2-1 at home, postponing their away game at River Plate last weekend. Following that defeat, El Ciclon broke their three-match unbeaten streak of two victories and one draw in league action. As a result, the side remain on 28 points in the Liga Profesional (with one game in hand), which means they are out of any relevant aims for the rest of the season. Besides, San Lorenzo also stopped a run of three home games without defeat (winning two and drawing one). Coach Miguel Angel Russo has no new relevant injuries to contend with on Friday. In fact, Nicolas Tripichio returns after overcoming a clavicle injury.
Belgrano are getting worse game after game. Last Monday, the team showed a terrible version and succumbed to a devastating 2-0 home defeat against newcomers Independiente Rivadavia. After claiming a single victory across their last eight league games (along with four stalemates and three losses), El Pirata remain on 31 points in the Liga Profesional and are no longer fighting for a continental ticket. As a result, coach Juan Cruz Real left the club. Belgrano have been unbeaten in their last six league games on the road, but winning only one of those. Interim boss Norberto Fernandez will take over on Friday.
San Lorenzo rested midweek and that could make a difference against a Belgrano under an interim coach that lost at home on Monday. The hosts will have important midfielder Tripichio back from injury plus Braida and Iker Muniain will also be back in the starting lineup which means that they will use their best possible lineup and I expect them to take the 3 points.