Banfield is only three points above the relegation zone following their 1-0 away defeat at Sarandi Arsenal last Monday. That result means Hernan Crespo’s men managed a single victory in their last eight competitive games (two draws, five losses), but it was against Estudiantes (1-0 away in April). At home, El Taladro is winless in their last nine, drawing five and losing four since beating San Lorenzo in October 2018. Banfield key player Jesus Datolo is expected to be available after missing the first league game of the season due to a virus.
Estudiantes opened up the season with a highly-celebrated 1-0 home victory over Aldosivi thanks to a goal from Jonathan Schunke in the first half. The team have leapfrogged their opponents in the relegation table and opened a seven-point gap over the drop zone.
Estudiantes winger Matias Pellegrini succumbed to a muscle injury in the last game and is set to be ruled out. Centre back Gonzalo Jara will miss one more game due to a similar problem.
Banfield might not be a reliable team right now but I believe they haven’t been lucky either as they play well enough to deserve more points than what they got lately, and with veteran Jesus Datolo back in the starting lineup they should be a better team. Estudiantes has a young squad and will miss two important players, so I think this is a good opportunity for Banfield to take 3 points they really need.