Patronato made it four games without a win in the Superliga (two draws, two losses) last time out, when they were beaten by River Plate 2-0 away from home. Therefore, the team are now sharing the final relegation spot with Rosario Central. Patronato produced an irregular campaign this term, accumulating 12 points in nine weeks. At home, they are on three games unbeaten, winning two and drawing one. Patronato coach Mario Sciacqua welcomes back Cristian Chimino and Mathias Abero, who have served their respective suspensions. Santiago Rosales is fit to play after overcoming his muscle problem. Â
Newell’s Old Boys failed to beat Banfield at home in a relegation clash and had to settle for a scoreless draw at their own stadium. However, they are on five matches unbeaten (two wins and three draws): La Lepra managed 13 points with one game in hand and hold a two-point gap over the bottom three in the relegation table. On a sorry note, Newell’s are yet to win on the road, drawing two and losing one.
Huge relegation game for both, one neither can afford to lose so I expect a cautious approach from both and I can’t see Patronato as big underdogs playing at home.