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Argentina Clausura Saturday Preview - Match Day 3

Matias Vulej, February 6 2010,
An unusual tournament has began, and this week might not be short on surprises

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With an unexpected Godoy Cruz leading the tournament, every major team is performing quite well, so nothing is yet decided on what would happen.  At this moment of the tournament, everything can change, and the first Libertadores matches would probably decide the importance league's title wil have for each team.

Saturday 6th February, 2010

Tigre vs Colón  - 21:15 EST

Tigre will have to receive Colon without its top striker, Chino Luna, as he received his fifth yellow card last week,  but it is not worrying neither Caruso Lombardi nor team's fans, as Leandro Lazzaro will be the natural replacement on the offensive, who brought much joy to the team during the last Clausura, in which they fought at the top till the last match. They are in need of points not to be compromised in the relegation fight, and their match against the Sabaleros will be decisive.

After defeating one of the league's favorites, Colon has returned from what appeared to be an extensive holiday period for its strikers. Esteban Fuertes has reappeared when its team needed the most, and it was mandatory for him to recover its level as the Sabaleros will be lacking the playing of Alfredo Ramirez for a month, due to an injury during last week match. A victory might let them experience the top at least for a few hours, but it will be their opportunity to know what it is like to be at the peak.

 

Newell's Old Boys vs Boca Juniors - 19:10 EST

Only one point in two matches are blurring the vision of Newells fighting again for the title. The link between Joaquin Boghossian (who has awaken the curiosity of many European coachers) and the midfielders appears to be broken, and it must be repaired soon if they don't want to be relegated to the bottom. Diego Mateo declared publicly they have not forgotten how to play, and that the team will recover soon. But the medicine would be needed soon, or it might be just too late.

Having suffered till the last minute, the Xeneizes were finally able to obtain a victory last week, standing now in the third position. Against the Granates Boca showed they are again candidates for the title. Last victory came with a bitter taste, as six players left the fields with physical problems, so team's coach Alves will have to manage to travel to Rosario with an ace under his sleeve. It is likely Roman Riquelme will not play the 90 minutes, as he has not so long ago recovered from a long injury, and the Xeneizes would have troubles to reach their rival's area with their main driver.

Atletico Lanus vs Argentinos Juniors - 17:00 EST   


Lanus striker, Gonzalo CastillejosSomething is worrying the Granas, and if last year's first title for Banfield their eternal rival was not enough, they now have to face both the Copa Libertadores and the Clausura without knowing exactly where they are standing. At least they have found in Gonzalo Castillejos a solid replacement for both Eduardo Salvio and Jose Sand, as he has scored three goals in two matches, so league's youngest coach, Luis Zubeldia, has what is needed to reach next's week derby against Banfield ready to hit them where it hurts.

Things look complicated for the Bichos of Paternal. With their match against Banfield still pending, they are at the bottom of the position table, and they'll be facing important rivals on the weeks to come. Without Gabriel Hauche, Claudio Borghi has yet been unable to rearm the team, though the game against Boca Juniors proved they can be lethal if they're given the space. Another defeat can take them to the last position, and then relegation might start to become a problem.

Velez Sarsfeld vs Gimnasia Y Esgrima La Plata  - 19:10 EST 

Velez Sarsfield is the big favorite for this tournament, and they appear to be living up to such expectations. As the Libertadores is one of Tigre Gareca's main concern, only two of the players that faced Arsenal last week will be on the fields. They have many exquisite players, and so the new offensive for this match (with Leandro Caruso y Zárate instead of the usual Uruguayans strikers) has proven something to fear during last practices.

After last week big surprise at the Enchanted Forest, the Lobos know they have another difficult match, but shall they succeed, their future will become brighter and brighter, Stracqualursi has become the bearer of a new Gimnasia, and at least they know they won't be facing an all-star Velez Sarsfield, so they must take advantage. They might leapfrog their rival and reach the top, dreaming with obtaining their first title in the history. But even if they cannot pursue the top, every point matters, as now they're under direct relegation, and the category will be the main objective for Diego Cocca and his players

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