Sarmiento – Lanus
Sarmiento left a convincing impression last Sunday, securing a valuable 0-0 draw in their visit to Godoy Cruz. El Verde have picked up two points in the Torneo Clausura and are winless in their last five league matches (four draws and one loss), leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. In fact, Sarmiento haven’t won in their last six home games, with five draws and one defeat in that span. Lanús delivered an inconsistent performance last Saturday, ultimately losing 1-0 at home to Rosario Central in a controversial match. As a result, El Granate remain without points or goals in the Torneo Clausura, and have now gone four league matches without a win (one draw and three defeats in regular time), leaving them just four points above the relegation zone. Lanús are winless in their last eight away league games, recording five draws and three losses. Carlos Izquierdoz is suspended and will miss Friday’s match. Sarmiento are having trouble winning but they don’t lose either, and I expect their attack to improve with the debut of legendary striker Lucas Pratto (ex Boca and River). Lanus has been too irregular, they lost both games and couldn’t even score a goal yet so I don’t see them as favorites playing away.