Independiente vs Newell’s
Independiente have made a positive start to the second half of the season. On Sunday afternoon, they finished strongly to beat Estudiantes 2-0 away thanks to goals from Gabriel Ávalos and Santiago Montiel. El Rojo picked up their first three points of the Torneo Clausura and climbed into the Copa Sudamericana qualification places in the overall standings, having won three and lost two of their last five league matches. Independiente have also lost just one of their last 11 home league matches (seven wins and three draws). Head coach Gustavo Quinteros has a full squad available to face Newell’s Old Boys at Estadio Libertadores de América on Thursday. Newell’s Old Boys made a positive start to their bid to put a disappointing first half of the season behind them, beating Talleres 1-0 at home last Saturday thanks to Matías Cóccaro’s penalty and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Josué Reinatti, who preserved the lead with several key saves. La Lepra extended their unbeaten league run to seven matches (four wins and three draws), picked up their first three points of the Torneo Clausura and moved nine points clear of the relegation zone in the overall standings. Newell’s won the first game but I’m definitely not convinced by them yet. They have a very poor squad and Independiente coming from a solid win against Estudiantes should take the 3 points here.