Estudiantes vs Newell’s
Estudiantes suffered its first defeat of the season last Sunday, delivering a below-par performance and ultimately losing 1-0 to Defensa y Justicia away after conceding the decisive goal just three minutes before the final whistle. As a result, El Pincha’s 11-match unbeaten streak in the league (six wins and five draws) came to an end, and they were knocked off the top of Group A. They remain on 18 points, now three behind Tigre and Argentinos Juniors. At home, Estudiantes secured 13 of the last 15 available points. Eduardo Domínguez has his entire squad available for Saturday’s match.
Newell’s Old Boys continue to struggle with inconsistency. Last Sunday, the team delivered a lackluster performance and had to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Belgrano. With just one win in their last six matches (one draw and four losses), La Lepra have seven points in the Torneo Apertura, sitting only two points above the relegation zone in the aggregate table.
Newell’s are still struggling despite the coach change and not having veteran captain Ever Banega in midfield should mean trouble for them so I’ll trust the hosts to recover from their first defeat of the season.