Rosario Central – Godoy Cruz
Rosario Central suffered a major disappointment in the Torneo Apertura, getting knocked out in the quarterfinals after a 1-0 home loss to Huracán. That result also ended two impressive streaks: a nine-match unbeaten run in the league (six wins and three draws) and nine straight home victories. Nevertheless, El Canalla sit atop the aggregate table with 35 points. Ángel Di María and Alejo Véliz are the marquee signings of the winter, returning from SL Benfica in Portugal and Tottenham Hotspur FC in England respectively. None of the club’s key players have left. Following their 3-0 loss away to Deportivo Riestra, Godoy Cruz was eliminated from playoff contention in the Torneo Apertura. With just one win in their last eight league matches (five draws and two defeats), they finished with 17 points and sit four above the relegation zone. Additionally, they’ve earned only one point from their last 12 available away from home in this competition.Godoy Cruz won their Copa Sudamericana group, advancing to the round of 16, and also played two winter friendlies — winning one and losing one. Guillermo Fernández returned to the club from Fortaleza EC (Brazil), while Bruno Leyes left to join Tigre. Juan Meli will miss Saturday’s match due to suspension. Lucas Arce, injured, won’t feature either. Can’t imagine anything but a home win here. The stadium will be more than packed welcoming Angel Di Maria back, Veliz in attack is a nice addition as well and they will face this poor Godoy Cruz that has struggled all year.