Independiente – Talleres
Independiente didn’t have the strongest debut, but managed to secure a point in their visit to Sarmiento last Sunday, drawing 2-2 thanks to a late equalizer from Felipe Loyola in the 83rd minute. With that result, El Rojo extended their unbeaten run in the league to four matches (two wins and two draws in regular time) and they stay occupying one of the Copa Sudamericana spots in the aggregate table. Moreover, Independiente boast an impressive streak of 23 home matches unbeaten in this competition, with 14 wins and nine draws. Manager Julio Vaccari welcomes Ignacio Pussetto, who joins from Pumas UNAM, Mexico, as a new addition to the squad. Carlos Tevez’s tenure as Talleres manager got off to a rough start, with the team putting in a poor performance in last week’s 2-1 home loss to San Lorenzo. La T are winless in their last five league matches (one draw and four defeats) and remain in the relegation zone in the aggregate table. Away from home, Talleres have failed to win any of their last six league outings, recording five draws and one loss. Juan Portillo and Matías Galarza Fonda remain sidelined due to their potential transfers. Independiente should have won the first game at Sarmiento and I expect them to start strong at home where they have a long undefeated streak. Talleres was poor once again in their home defeat against San Lorenzo, and losing Portillo and Galarza is bad news for them.