Newell’s Old Boys and Gimnasia La Plata

Estadio Marcelo Bielsa is the venue as Newell’s Old Boys and Gimnasia La Plata lock horns in an exciting Liga Professional encounter.

Newell’s Old Boys fought back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to hold Audax Italiano to a 1-1 home draw in midweek Copa Sudamericana action and progress into the knockout stages as Group E winners (W5, D1). But while their outstanding continental campaign demands respect, the hosts have seen better days in the Primera Division, where they currently languish three points adrift final Copa Sudamericana qualification spot. Gabriel Heinze’s men have recently established themselves as ‘stalemate specialists,’ drawing four of their last five games in all competitions (W1), including three on the spin in the Primera Division. Two of their four most recent home league outings have also ended level. But with Newell’s winning the other two by an identical 2-0 scoreline, their lofty ambitions in this contest are understandable.

As for Gimnasia LP, an underwhelming 1-0 defeat at Union de Deportes in midweek Copa Sudamericana action was a fitting way to end their disastrous Group G campaign (W1, D1, L4). Without the distraction of continental football for the rest of the season, the visitors can focus on climbing the ladder in the Primera Divison, where they trail the last Copa Sudamericana qualification place by six points. However, it will be all but simple, at least based on their indifferent five-game league form (W1, D2, L2) in the build-up to this trip. Furthermore, ‘Los Triperos’ have gone winless on their last three top-flight travels (D1, L2), failing to find the net on each occasion. All competitions included, they’re without a goal in their five most recent away matches (D2, L3).