San Martin de San Juan vs River Plate
San Martín SJ continues to struggle to adapt to the first division. On Monday, El Verdinegro failed to capitalize on a 50-minute numerical advantage and suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Gimnasia LP away from home. As a result, the team remain winless in the Torneo Apertura, accumulating only three points from three draws and three losses. At home, San Martín earned just one point out of nine available so far this season. Head coach Raúl Antuña has his full squad available for Saturday.
River Plate once again showcased their strength at home last Sunday, overcoming a tough challenge with a 1-0 victory over Lanus, thanks to a Miguel Borja goal in the 78th minute. Despite not yet reaching their best form, Marcelo Gallardo’s team secured 12 points, solidifying their spot in the Group B playoffs, just two behind leaders Rosario Central and San Lorenzo. In fact, El Millonario remain unbeaten in the Torneo Apertura, with three wins and three draws. However, River have been struggling on the road, going four matches without a win (three draws and one loss).
River has struggled to score. They have only 5 goals after 6 games and at the same time they’ve been very solid in defense conceding just 1. San Martin are almost the opposite, scoring only 1 but also conceding only 4, so I expect a tight game here where the visitors are clear favorites but it could take them time to score.