Argentinos Jrs – Boca
Argentinos Juniors endured a major disappointment in the first half of the year: after being one of the top teams in the Torneo Apertura, they drew 1-1 at home with San Lorenzo and were eliminated in the quarterfinals on penalties. However, an eight-match unbeaten run in the league (four wins and four draws in regular time) has them sitting second in the aggregate table and currently in position to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. El Bicho are unbeaten in their last five home matches, with four wins and one draw. Hernán López Muñoz (from San Jose Earthquakes, MLS) and Gabriel Florentín (Orenburg FC, Russia) are the most notable additions, while Román Vega (to Zenit St. Petersburg, Russia) and José Herrera (to Fortaleza EC, Brazil) were sold. Boca Juniors disappointed their fans in the last Torneo Apertura, losing 1-0 at home to Independiente in the quarterfinals. That result extended their winless run in the league to four matches (two draws and two losses in regular time). However, they remain in Copa Libertadores qualification zone in the aggregate table. Away from home, Boca have collected just four of the last 12 points available. There were no major moves in the transfer market, and Boca participated in the Club World Cup during the winter break, earning just two points from three group-stage matches and failing to advance. Miguel Russo returned as head coach during the break, with Leandro Paredes (from AS Roma, Italy) as the marquee signing. Edinson Cavani and Ander Herrera will miss Sunday’s match due to injury. Argentinos Jrs comes from a great semester despite the unexpected early elimination and they should be improved with Hernan Lopez as a playmaker. Boca has a new coach and Leandro Paredes in midfield who won’t be ready, and he’s one of many missings for this first round so I have to trust Argentinos to continue being one of the top teams in the league this year and start the tournament with a win at home.