Sarmiento vs Newell’s

Sarmiento look hard to beat at the moment. Last Saturday, the team had enough to secure a valuable scoreless away draw at Gimnasia LP, clinching a point that’s very good news for them. Israel Damonte’s men extended their unbeaten streak to five league games (winning two and drawing three in that spell) and made it 24 points in 18 rounds in the Liga Profesional, which keeps them three points above the first relegation spot in the point-average table, occupied by Platense so far. At home, Sarmiento have been without defeat in their last four games, with two victories and two stalemates.

Newell’s Old Boys regained their confidence last Sunday, showing a solid performance to beat Godoy Cruz 2-0 at home, with Jorge Recalde and Jherson Mosquera finding the back of the net. Thanks to that victory, La Lepra made it 26 points in the Liga Profesional to climb into the last Copa Sudamericana spot after losing only one of their last five in this competition, along with two triumphs and two draws. On a sorry note, Newell’s are on three away games without a win, taking a single point from nine available in that time. Centre back Willer Ditta (sent off against Godoy Cruz) and Cristian Ferreira (who reached the yellow-card limit) are suspended for Thursday’s game.

Sarmiento has been strong at home, Newell’s not so good away plus they are expected to use a mixed lineup due to their Copa Sudamericana game next week, so I’ll go with the home win here.

BET: Sarmiento DNB @ 1.85