Velez vs Talleres
Last league runners-up Velez Sarsfield are now producing a disappointing campaign in the Liga Profesional. Last time out, the team played below expectations and ended up losing to Boca Juniors 1-0 away. That result means El Fortin are now on three league matches without a win, drawing two and losing one in that time. Gustavo Quinteros’ men accumulated five points in as many rounds, which places them out of the continental spots in the aggregate table so far. On a positive note, Velez are unbeaten in their last eight home matches, winning five and drawing three. The man in charge welcomes Michael Santos (from Juarez FC, Mexico) and Aaron Quiros (Banfield), who is suspended after seeing a red card in his last league game (as well as defensive midfielder Christian Ordonez). On the other hand, captain Valentin Gomez has been sold to River Plate.
Meanwhile, Talleres hold onto their promising standards. In matchday 5, the team managed a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Platense with Bruno Barticiotto and Alejandro Martinez scoring. As a result, La T remain as Liga Profesional leaders on 13 points (level with Huracan and Union Santa Fe) and remain into the Copa Libertadores’ zone in the aggregate table after a streak of 13 league matches unbeaten (seven victories and six draws). Talleres also remain without defeat in their last seven as the visiting side in domestic action, winning three and drawing four. They won one and lost two of their friendlies this winter. Sebastian Palacios returns to the club after arriving from Panathinaikos FC, Greece. Walter Ribonetto’s men are fully fit to visit Velez Sarsfield on Sunday.
Talleres are clearly the best of these two, Velez has been irregular so far in this tournament and lost important players during the Copa America break so the visitors should at least get a draw.