Lanus vs Banfield
Lanús continue to struggle with consistency. However, they managed to secure a valuable point in their visit to Godoy Cruz last Monday, drawing 0-0. El Granate are now unbeaten in seven league matches, though they have only won one and drawn the other six. That run is still enough to keep them inside the playoff zone in Group B, with 16 points. Lanús are also unbeaten in their last five home games in this competition, with two wins and three draws. Walter Bou is still recovering from an ankle injury and will miss the derby. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino would repeat the XI. Banfield remain mired in a deep crisis. Last week, the team failed to hold onto their lead and had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Independiente Rivadavia after conceding in the 84th minute. El Taladro are now winless in their last 11 league matches (four draws and seven defeats), and have collected just 10 points in the Torneo Apertura, sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone (two points above Velez Sarsfield). To make matters worse, Banfield have lost their last five away games. This is a derby between these two teams from the South of Buenos Aires and one neither wants to lose. Despite Lanus’ irregularity, they are in a much better position than Banfield and with a win could almost secure a place in the playoffs with two games left. Banfield have no chance to advance, they’ve been terrible lately and especially when playing outside their stadium, so I’ll trust the hosts here to win the derby and get some very needed 3 points.