Newell’s (Argentina) vs Libertad (Paraguay)
Newell’s Old Boys managed a valuable point on their visit to Atletico Goianiense in Brazil last week, when drawing 0-0 in an entertaining game. On Monday, coach German Burgos fielded a highly-rotated XI that lost 2-1 at Gimnasia LP. It was the first defeat since the new boss’ arrival (two wins and four draws beforehand). La Lepra have produced a poor campaign in the Copa Liga Profesional so far, accumulating ten points in 11 rounds. Furthermore, they won only one of their last six at home (their last encounter, over Patronato 2-0), along with two draws and three defeats.
After losing to Atletico Nacional from Colombia in the Copa Libertadores’ third preliminary round, Libertad took the first step towards the Sudamericana’s round-of-16 by beating Palestino from Chile 2-0 at home, having dominated the game from beginning to end. Coach Daniel Garnero rotated his players on Sunday, when the side settled for a 1-1 home draw against Nacional Asuncion. That result means they are now sharing the top of the Paraguayan league table with Olimpia (26 points apiece after 13 rounds). El Gumarelo are on three games unbeaten in all competitions, winning two and drawing one. On away turf, Libertad won three and lost one of the last four.
Libertad is a better team than this Newell’s that has won only two games this season and will have their minds on next week’s derby vs Rosario Central.
BET: Libertad +0.25 @ 1.88