Banfield vs Belgrano
After a perfect start to the season, Banfield suffered their first defeat of the year last Saturday, losing 1-0 to Barracas Central playing as visitors at Sarandí Arsenal (and clearly being harmed by refereeing decisions that influenced the score). This result ended their three-match unbeaten streak in the league (two wins and one draw) and left them with six points in the Torneo Apertura —still enough to remain near the top of Group A. Banfield defeated Newell’s Old Boys 3-0 in their last home match, following a four-game winless run at their stadium (earning just two points out of 12). There are no new injuries ahead of Friday’s match.
Belgrano are facing a crisis early in the season. Last Monday, the team suffered an unacceptable 3-0 home defeat against Independiente Rivadavia, conceding all three goals in the first half. El Pirata collected just one point from the first three matches of the Torneo Apertura, conceding eight goals, putting coach Walter Erviti’s job at risk. In total, the team are winless in five league matches, with two draws and three losses. Additionally, Belgrano lost their last two away games against Rosario Central and Racing Club. Lucas Zelarayan and Juan Velazquez picked up injuries against Independiente Rivadavia and will miss Friday’s match.
Banfield has been solid so far despite last round’s defeat and will face this terrible Belgrano that conceded 7 goals in the last 2 matches and whose coach might lose his job very soon so at this odds I’ll trust the hosts.