Both Velez and Estudiantes have been focusing their strengths for the Copa Libertadores than to the Clausura, but nonetheless their players were able to keep them on the upper half of the positions table. Both teams will be chancing their arms upon this match, for whoever is victory will join the top fight, relegating the looser to depend on their success at the Libertadores not to be depressed by their performance. Alejandro Sabella and Ricardo Gareca, two experienced coaches will battle to see who deserves the title of third candidate for this league.
Life without Boselli
Estudiantes has grown during the last years, thanks to the awakening of players like Enzo Perez and Rodrigo Braña, and now the Pinchas recovered a key striker as Gaston Fernandez, the team has found the regularity and confidence needed to fight for glory. One major absence for this match will be Mauro Boselli, who will be sidelined for two more weeks due to an increasing pain in its right foot, and it is yet unknown who will be replacing him, for his shirt might be too heavy for any young player to wear.
Marcos Angeleri looked focused for this match, by declaring "We're going to fight for the full scoring, we need it after Banfield's draw" and they know that a victory will take them much closer to the top, clearing their path against one of the few teams that might take their place within top five.
Mauro Boselli has claimed the top of the strikers table by scoring 9 goals in 12 matches (Half the goals its team scored) and without him their offensive might be violently reduced. Leandro González may be the responsible of taking his place, but it is uncertain whether he'll be able to connect with Juan Sebastian Veron and Gaston Fernandez, for they haven't had much time to practice during the week.
Having faced Godoy Cruz and Banfield during last week, this might be the last serious effort for Alejandro Sabella's players, as it is thought now they might have an easier time trying to claim the top.10 of the last 12 possible points have assured they've got what it takes to be crowned champions
Last call for the title
Tigre Gareca was a nervous-wreck after their trip to Mendoza, for their defeat against the Tomba left his team eight points away from the top, and only with a solid effort will they be able to become once again a favorite for the title.
In spite of having a large squad with many first-tier players, the lack of continuity has undermined the confidence of the players, unable to get used to a single strategy and having to adapt weak after weak to a new formation. Their success for the Libertadores is mitigating the effects of a league performance that has arisen many doubts regarding their future.
The Fortin has not been beaten at the Jose Amalfitani during the whole season, though this time their streak might be jeopardized for Estudiantes will be making this match a personal matter, as a victory will boost player's confidence level to the sky. Sebastian Dominguez and Nicolas Otamendi, team's central backs will have to reduce Pincha's offensive to a minimum, for German Montoya has not been performing at his best, sabotaging more than once its team scoring. Gareca knows their opponent has some formidable mid-range shooters, so it'll be decisive to control the flow in the middle not to be caught by surprise.
A defeat might relegate the Fortin to the 13th position, and they have to travel south next week to face Banfield, current champion of the league. The challenging matches will end after facing Racing, whose hunger for points might overwhelm Tigre Gareca's players.
Historical Facts
Velez has won the last two matches played against the Pincha, both for 1-0. Of the 150 matches played in their history, the Fortin won 57 against 50 for Estudiantes, with 43 tied games. The Jose Amalfitani has seen the Fortin walk away with the full scoring on the last 3 occasions, though the luck has been rather different at La Plata. An exciting match will be held this Thursday for the delight of every football lover out there.
