Banfield vs Belgrano
Banfield continue to compete better than expected amid countless institutional problems and with their new signings still unable to play because of transfer restrictions. In a closely contested match, El Taladro drew 0-0 away to Estudiantes Río Cuarto to move onto four points after three rounds of the Torneo Clausura, leaving them inside the playoff qualification places. More importantly, Banfield opened up a 13-point cushion above the relegation zone in the overall standings after losing just one of their last six league matches (two wins and three draws). At home, Banfield have collected seven of the last nine points available. Belgrano took a very valuable point from their trip to Tigre on Wednesday night, drawing 0-0 in a match that became particularly challenging after a sending-off and a penalty against them, which Thiago Cardozo saved in the 89th minute. El Pirata moved onto four points in the Torneo Clausura and remain within touching distance of the Group B playoff qualification places. Ricardo Zielinski’s side have lost just one of their last eight league matches, recording five wins and two draws in regular time. On the road, Belgrano have lost one of their last six, winning two and drawing three. Adrián Sánchez, who was sent off against Tigre, is suspended for Monday, as is Santiago Longo who also received a red card even after being subbed off. Nicolás Fernández succumbed to a flu and will miss out. Meanwhile, Franco Vázquez will serve the second game of his suspension. Belgrano are not playing like the team that won the championship a few months ago and will have some important missings today as playmaker Franco Vazquez is suspended and striker Nicolas Fernandez is injured, so I’ll back the hosts to avoid a defeat and continue their strong home form.