Argentina Apertura: Round Three Preview

Game of the Week: River Plate - Independiente, Sunday 16:15

Angel Cappa’s River side are on a high after two wins to start the season, and will look to make it three out of three against a struggling Independiente side who only have one point so far. With Ariel Ortega suspended, 17-year-old Manuel Lanzini will retake his place in the Millonario side, in a youthful attacking five with Diego Buonanotte the 22-year-old elder statesman. Mariano Pavone may make the bench.

Dany Garnero is likely to keep the same 4-3-1-2 system that drew with Argentinos Juniors on Monday, but enganche Leandro Gracian is a doubt after picking up a knock. Nicolas Martinez could take his place in the Rojo team.

Prediction: River Plate 2-1 Independiente

FRIDAY

Banfield - Estudiantes L.P, 19:15

In this intriguing top of the table clash Banfield coach Julio Cesar Falcioni makes just one change; Marcelo Carrusca re-enters the team in midfield for Federico Sardella. Alex Sabella meanwhile will be without Gaston Fernandez who is injured and will likely replace the forward with defender German Re, as the Pincha switch to a 5-4-1 set up.

Prediction: Banfield 1-1 Estudiantes

Newell’s Old Boys - Tigre, 21:15

After salvaging a draw against Lanus last week Roberto Sensini knows his Newell’s side need a result against bottom team Tigre. The coach makes just one change in a 3-4-1-2 formation, as Luciano Vella enters for Mauricio Sperdutti. Ricardo Caruso Lombardi on the other hand has shuffled Tigre after 0 points from the first two encounters. Renzo Vera, Mariano Pasini and Leonel Altobelli all enter the first team in place of Diaz, Morales and Stracqualursi.

Prediction: Newell's 2-0 Tigre

SATURDAY

Quilmes - Lanus, 14:15

It is all change for Quilmes as Hugo Tocalli shuffles the team which lost against Estudiantes last weekend. Tocalli will debut a 3-4-2-1 line up with Ariel Broggi and Nahuel Roselli stepping down from the defence; Danilo Gerlo will play as libero while Santiago Hirsig and Leandro Coronel come into the middle of the park. Lanus meanwhile have been boosted by the transfer of Pablo Goltz and the return of talisman Sebastian Blanco; Goltz will go to the bench while Blanco will make his first start of the season

Prediction: Quilmes 0-1 Lanus

Velez Sarsfield - Argentinos Juniors 16:15

In this tense local clash defender Nicolas Otamendi is a doubt for the home side; he is on the verge of a transfer to Porto, and if not available will be replaced by youngster Fernando Tobio. Apart from Nico’s doubt El Fortin field an identical side to the previous engagement with All Boys. Argentinos will line up with an attacking 3-4-3 system as they go for their first win of the season; without the injured Oberman and suspended Ortigoza, German Basualdo and Miguel Torren may get a chance.

Prediction: Velez Sarsfield 2-1 Argentinos Juniors

Godoy Cruz - Olimpo, 18:20

Both sides are looking for continuity after impressive results in the second round, and will field identical formations and personnel.

Prediction: Godoy Cruz 2-0 Olimpo

Racing Club - San Lorenzo, 20:20

One of two ‘Big Five’ clasicos this week, Racing and San Lorenzo come into Saturday’s game with a certain level of confidence. Racing will put out the same XI that beat Boca after Claudio Yacob was cleared to play by the AFA despite carrying a red card; San Lorenzo meanwhile ignored the claims of goalkeeper Pablo Migliore to a first team spot and keep faith with Damian Albil. Leandro Romagnoli will also get the nod over Sebi Gonzalez at enganche.

Prediction: Racing Club 1-0 San Lorenzo

SUNDAY

Gimnasia L.P - Colon, 14:15

Diego Cocca will make just one change from the side that fell in Bahia Blanca in this must-win game, as Pablo Fontanello enters at centre-back for Abel Masuero. Colon have two injury doubts in defence; ‘El Chino’ Ariel Garce looks set to miss Sunday’s clash with a muscle strain while Ronald Raldes is also on the injured list. Alfredo Ramirez could get a chance as libero in a back three.

Prediction: Gimnasia 1-1 Colon

Arsenal de Sarandi - Huracan, 18:20

Arsenal make just one change from the previous week’s victory away to Tigre: Andres Franzoia enters for Gonzalo Choy. Huracan meanwhile will start with a double enganche in a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Mariano Martinez and Angel Morales playing behind Rolando Zarate as the Globo look for the second win of the season.

Prediction: Arsenal de Sarandi 1-0 Huracan

All Boys - Boca Juniors, 20:20

Playing in Huracan’s stadium due to the damage caused last week by Velez Sarsfield fans, All Boys could play Fernando Sanchez in the middle in place of Lucas Rimoldi. Sebastian Ereros could also partner Mauro Matos up front, in which case one of Sebastian Grazzini and Matias Perez Garcia would drop to the bench. Boca meanwhile make a couple of forced changes. Pablo Mouche enters for Lucas Viatri and Gary Medel drops to centre back to cover the injured Cristian Cellay; Jesus Mendez takes his place in midfield.

Prediction: All Boys 1-2 Boca Juniors

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