Rosario Central vs Estudiantes
Rosario Central capped off a brilliant group stage last weekend with a 1-0 home win over Independiente, thanks to a first-half goal from Santiago López. El Canalla finished the opening phase as the top team in the Torneo Apertura with 35 points, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches in the competition (five wins and three draws). They have also won eight straight matches at home. Facundo Mallo missed the last match due to muscle fatigue shortly before kickoff and misses out again. Jaminton Campaz is a doubt.
Estudiantes are going through a very tough stretch. Last week, they delivered a very poor performance, were completely outplayed, and suffered a 4-0 loss away to Argentinos Juniors. It was their eighth straight league match without a win (three draws and five defeats). However, the team benefited from other results and managed to hold onto eighth place in Group A with 21 points, securing a playoff spot. El Pincha have earned just one point from their last 15 available on the road in this competition. On Wednesday, May 7, Estudiantes won 3-0 at Universidad de Chile for Matchday 4 of the Copa Libertadores.
Estudiantes finally recovered from a very bad streak with a good midweek win at Chile in Copa Libertadores. That tournament is their main priority and next Wednesday they have a very important game at Brazil against the defending champions Botafogo so I don’t think they are fully focused on this Round of 16 game at Rosario. The hosts have been great at home with 8 consecutive wins, and at these odds they are a must bet.