Liga Profesional, Boca Juniors will attempt to consolidate ninth place and secure a pass to the Copa Sudamericana: predictions.
Overnight, River Plate were crowned champions of Argentina with two days to spare, beating Estudiantes 3-1 to win their 38th title in history.
They were never really in contention for Liga Profesional victory instead their historic rivals Boca Juniors, only ninth in the table. Jorge Almiron’s Xeneizes, however, are coming off three consecutive useful results: the two home victories against Sarmiento and Huracan and the away draw at home to Union. In the ‘Bombonera’ bowl Boca always have the edge, but it is away from home that the Buenos Aires club is leaving something to be desired.
Of the last twelve matches played away from home, they have only won three. But the most worrying aspect is scoring, as Boca Juniors have only scored one goal in their last five matches away from home. This is why we do not expect an eventful match against Gimnasia y Esgrima, in which Almiron’s men should be able to avoid defeat and ‘book’ qualification for the next Copa Sudamericana. Belgrano also have 35 points, and if they want to secure one of the last passes to the second most important South American event, they will at least have to avoid defeat against San Lorenzo. The red-blues, having lost any remaining hope of catching up with River, are third, five points behind the surprising Talleres.
Liga Profesional: Lanus dream of a place in the Libertadores
Lanus, who sit in fifth place in the standings alongside Defensa y Justicia, may even be aiming for Copa Libertadores qualification. The bulk of Granate’s 41 points have been scored at home, where they have lost only twice and conceded barely seven goals. Banfield, third-last in the table, have little hope of going unbeaten.
Sand, Lanus striker
Argentinos Juniors boast one of the best defences in the tournament, conceding just 19 goals in 24 matches. But at home the defence of the men coached by Gabriel Milito is less solid (10 goals conceded so far) and it would be no surprise if against Colon we witnessed an unusually prolific game. The final match on the Italian night is between Central Cordoba and Independiente: the hosts have lost just once in their last eight matches and should take at least a point against a too inconsistent Rojo.
Possible winners
- San Lorenzo or draw (in Belgrano-San Lorenzo, 7pm)
- Boca Juniors or draw (in Gimnasia y Esgrima-Boca Juniors, 21:30)
- Lanus (in Lanus-Banfield, 00:00)
- Central Cordoba or draw (in Central Cordoba-Independiente, 02:00)
