The first half of the Apertura is almost over. Estudiantes experiences the solitude of the top for the first time in the tournament with 19 points.
This year the Apertura's fight is tougher than ever, and at least 7 teams are fighting toe-to-toe to lift this year's title.
Estudiantes climbed to the first position, but now will have to take on San Lorenzo's Cuervos, who lurk just 4 points below the top.
Banfield, Newell's and Independiente are the only three teams involved in the Copa Sudamericana. Boca Juniors vs Lanus and River vs Banfield will play the last two matches of the round and the outcome of the game will shake both the top and the bottom of the positions table. Who will claim the 1st position by Monday?
Hugo Tocalli's Quilmes, standing in the last position, will be taking on Sarandi's Arsenal to secure three decisive points to avoid the relegation fight. The Brewers have not yet celebrated a single victory in the Apertura, and the Viaducto will be a tough nut to crack this Friday in the Centenario.
Tocalli will use the same 4-4-1-1 defensive formation as last week, but he'll introduce some minor modifications to be up to the circumstances: Santiago Hirsig will be the chosen playmaker instead of Francisco Cerro, while Chile's Charles Aránguiz replaces Enzo Kalinski in the midfield.
These modifications will strengthen the wings and multiply the offensive perspectives. An average higher than 1,5 goals conceded per game is Quilmes' main problem, and the defense will have to work hard to stand against Arsenal's experienced strikers.
"We are not going to wait for Quilmes. We'll assume the offense from the first minute and secure the three points in the south" said Arsenal's midfielder Sergio Senna. Arsenal occupies the 4th position and the top could be theirs upon a victory, if only for a few hours.
Gustavo Alfaro and his team will have to be fully focused to return victorious from Quilmes. Team's top striker Luciano Leguizamon might not be able to perform, struggling with injuries and this seriously weakens Arsenal's offensive.
A relegation six pointer that might also have a great impact in the upper half of the positions table, will the Viaducto be able to return to victory against Hugo Tocalli's brewers?
Friday's hottest match features Ricardo Sensini's Leprosos against Ricarod Gareca's Fortin in a decisive clash for the top fight. The spirit of the locals received a huge boost upon defeating Estudiantes for the Copa Sudamericana, while the visitors fell against Banfield two weeks ago.
Newell's won't prioritize the Sudamericana as long as they have a shot for the Apertura. Standing at the 7th position, this is a golden opportunity for the Leprosos to join the top fight, as they can claim the 3rd position with the three points. Mauro Formica, Iván Borghello and Marcelo Estigarribia are back on the starting team, securing a restless midfield fight between two squads hungry for glory.
Maxi Moralez, Matias Martinez and Santiago Silva will once again lead Velez's offense. Both Moralez and Martinez were in doubt for the game but should now be fully fit for Friday's game.
Both teams have a strong defense (Velez conceded only four goals in eight matches and Newell's five) and for that reason whoever scores the first goal will have a great advantage over its rival.
Gareca recovers Fernando Tobio and Augusto Fernández for this game. Both players have
An exciting game in which much more than three points will be in play for the two teams. Who will bag this six pointer?
The Albos return to their home where they've claimed the last nine possible points looking forward to leapfrog their rival in the fight for the category. Caruso Lombardi's Tigers haven't been beaten in the last five weeks. This will surely be an exciting match in Floresta.
All Boys' coach Jose Romero will introduce a few modifications in his squad. Jonathan Ferrari will take over injured Cristian Vella's place, while Uruguayan Juan Pablo Rodriguez will occupy Hugo Barrientos, suspended in the last match. Tigre's manager Lombardi will have to do without Pablo Cáceres with a muscular fatigue. His place will be taken over by young Cristian Trombetta.
Ribair Rodríguez will have to assume Tigre's offense on his own, as Román Martínez is out with injuries. This is a must-win for the hosts "I'm not happy with what we've been doing in the last meters of the field. The idea is to find a stable squad with more presence in the opposing area" stated the local coach.
A six pointer that will have a huge impact on the future of both teams, who will claim the three points?
Omar Asad's Tombas will host Independiente's devils determined to jump back on the title chase, for the top stands 7 points above their heads. Independiente's new coach Ricardo Pavoni will have to do things extremely well to return home victorious from the Feliciano Gambarte.
Pavoni is looking for fresh blood in his squad and for that reason he'll modify team's general strategy with 4 modifications: Team's goalkeeper Adrian Gabbarini is back, taking over Hilario Navarro's place. Maxi Velazquez, Patito Rodríguez and German Pacheco will strengthen the midfield and their finesse might come in handy to break through Godoy Cruz's defense.
Omar Asad's boys slowed their pace during the last two weeks. Many defensive mistakes have cost the Tombas the last two victories and for that reason Sebastian Torrico will replace Nelson Ibáñez between the posts.
Team's top striker David Ramirez is banned from performing, leaving a question mark on the starting formation. Jairo Castillo might be in need of some help to deal with the local defense, who'll wield his weapons along with the Tombas this Saturday against the Rojos?
Pablo Morant knew he was assuming a great responsibility when he took command of the Wolves' ship, as Gimnasia occupies the second position from bottom of the Apertura standings and River Plate is leaving Gimnasia far behind in the fight for the category.
Argentinos is drifting below the middle of the positions table as well, and the three points will mean everything for both teams.
Argentinos' coach Pedro Troglio will opt for a three man defensive back line to visit the Enchanted Forest. Gonzalo Vargas and Sergio Escudero return to the starting eleven in Argentinos' 3-4-2-1 formation.
Gimnasia has lost four of the last five matches and the Forest is the perfect scenario for their recovery. Pedro Troglio's boys will have a tough not to crack this Saturday's night, will they have what it takes to bag the three points?
Miguel Brindisi will have his debut match away against Miguel Angel Russo in Avellaneda in one of the toughest matches of the week. Rodrigo Battaglia, aged only19, will play his first match in the team, joining Matute Moralez in the midfield. With 9 and 10 points respectively, whoever secures the three point will take a huge step towards avoiding relegation.
Racing's manager surprised everyone by leaving Claudio Bieler in the bench during the last weeks and the Ecuadorian striker might miss this match too. Pablo Luguercio and Gabriel Hauche will be the chosen ones to lead Racing's offense. Globo's formation will focus in the midfield, with Diego Rodríguez and Luciano Nieto returning to the squad.
Racing's creative wizard Giovanni Moreno will play a decisive role in the development of the game, though Huracan's defensive formation will surely keep him under close watch.
The three points are essential for both sides to escape from the bottom fight and find some stable ground in which they can build up a strategy for the second half of the tournament.
Olimpo and Colon are fighting a personal battle in the lower half of the positions table, and the three points can deeply compromise Olimpo with the relegation fight. Colon's new coach Fernando Gamboa will be chancing his arm in Bahia Blanca, as the hosts can reach the Sabaleros upon a victory.
Colon's coach confirmed he'll use a 4-3-1-2 formation to take better advantage of the heavyweight strikers on his squad. Damian Diaz will retire to the center of the midfield leaving Federico Higuain as the main playmaker. Esteban Fuertes and Joaquin Larrivey will occupy the last meters of the field.
Olimpo has lost the last 4 matches they've played and Omar de Felippe is aware he cannot continue losing points or all the effort of the first weeks will be truly wasted. Eduardo Casais and Cristian Villanueva, sent off during the last match will make some room for Juan Pablo Scheffer and Pablo Jerez to defend Aurinegro's back line.
The constant rotation in Olimpo's defense doest not make it any easier for the hosts, receiving a much stronger enemy. Who will claim the three points?
The main derby of the week will be an early final in the Apertura fight, for the Cuervos will have a one-on-one meeting with the Pinchas, who stand above every other squad in the table standings. Eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana, Alejandro Sabella's boys main objective is to lift this year's Apertura title.
A victory at the Nuevo Gasometro will send a clear message to those teams trying to catch up with Estudiantes. The hosts are likely to adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation with Pipi Romangoli as team's main driver. Sebastian Balsas and Juan Carlos Menseguez will join Romagnoli in the offense against one of the toughest defenses of the league.
San Lorenzo's coach will also introduce some modifications in the back line, as Daniel Herner has shown enough credentials to gain an opportunity within the starting squad along with Jonathan Bottinelli and young Fernando Meza.
Estudiantes' captain Juan Sebastian Veron might return to the fields, almost fully recovered from his ankle injuries. Brujita's voice sings louder than any other in Pincha's offense, and his return boosts the morale of the players even higher.
Leandro González is sidelined for the rest of the tournament after last week's shoulder injury, but Uruguayan striker Rodrigo Lopez is about to make his return too. Velez's former top striker will surely sharpen Estudiantes' offense to its maximum.
This game will receive major attention from everyone interested in reaching the top. Perhaps Estudiantes will be better off with one point and a clean defense than going all-in for a victory.
Sunday's third game features Claudio Borghi's Xeneizes against Luis Zubeldia's Granas. Boca Juniors has been one of the most irregular teams in the competition: They defeated Velez Sarsfield and Colon without hesitating, but fell against Racing, Quilmes, San Lorenzo, and finally Estudiantes last week.
The 10 points obtained so far are not enough to keep La Doce happy. Juan Roman Riquelme keeps struggling with injuries and every week he's closer from making his return to the fields. In the meantime, Borghi modifies once again his midfield to find a more stable formation.
Jesus Mendez and Marcelo Cañete will take command of Boca's offense, as Cristian Erbes' performance didn't leave up to Borghi's expectations. Martin Palermo and Lucas Viatri, Boca's deadliest strikers will have to deal with Lanus' experienced defense.
Last week's victory straightened Lanus path. After being defeated 4-1 by Godoy Cruz and 4-0 by Racing the week after, Zubeldia's boys took advantage of the unexperienced Albo squad and claimed the 10th position with 12 points.
Rodrigo Erramuspe returns to Lanus' back line and his main duty will be to keep Martin Palermo from reaching Agustín Marchesín's goal. "We know our rival changes its mood constantly, and that makes them hard to deal with. Viatri is going through an excellent moment and Palermo won't forgive a single mistake. But a victory at La Bombonera is nevertheless possible. There's nothing new with watching Boca or River far from the top in a tournament" declared Lanus' defender Paolo Goltz.
Whoever claims the three points will be rewarded with a place among the top fighters. The hosts cannot concede more points, but Lanus' strength grows when they play far from the south.
Sunday's late game will have a great impact on the top fight, as the second position will belong to whoever win this game, provided certain assistance from their neighbors. River Plate slowed his pace down after a brilliant debut and are forced to bag the full scoring, standing five points below the top. Banfield is making an excellent work in the Sudamericana and is expecting to take that winning spirit to the south before receiving the Rojiblancos.
Julio Cesar Falcioni will try some rotation in his squad for this game. Walter Erviti and Victor Lopez are experiencing minor physical inconveniences and will not be risked for the game. Sebastián Romero, Marcelo Quinteros, Ariel Rosada and Rubén Ramírez will be given a chance to rest before visiting Deportivo Tolima in midweek.
Marcelo Carrusca, on the other hand, has recovered from his injuries and will provide his experience to Banfield's alternative squad. Having received only five goals in eight matches, the Drill can leapfrog every other runner up upon a victory this Sunday.
Miguel Angel Cappa's boys are aware this week's visit to the south is to be faced as an early final for the title fight. Team's veteran striker Ariel Ortega is back on the starting team and his skills will help River's offense break through Taladro's sturdy defense.
Millonarios' coach will adopt a highly offensive formation with Roberto Pereyra and Eric Lamela to keep an even pressure from the bands. Ariel Ortega, Rogelio Funes Mori and Mariano Pavone are the chosen offensive trident. Will they have the strength needed to break Falcioni's alternative defenders and gain once again a place among Argentina's bests?
Estudiantes climbed to the first position, but now will have to take on San Lorenzo's Cuervos, who lurk just 4 points below the top.
Banfield, Newell's and Independiente are the only three teams involved in the Copa Sudamericana. Boca Juniors vs Lanus and River vs Banfield will play the last two matches of the round and the outcome of the game will shake both the top and the bottom of the positions table. Who will claim the 1st position by Monday?
Hugo Tocalli's Quilmes, standing in the last position, will be taking on Sarandi's Arsenal to secure three decisive points to avoid the relegation fight. The Brewers have not yet celebrated a single victory in the Apertura, and the Viaducto will be a tough nut to crack this Friday in the Centenario.
Tocalli will use the same 4-4-1-1 defensive formation as last week, but he'll introduce some minor modifications to be up to the circumstances: Santiago Hirsig will be the chosen playmaker instead of Francisco Cerro, while Chile's Charles Aránguiz replaces Enzo Kalinski in the midfield.
These modifications will strengthen the wings and multiply the offensive perspectives. An average higher than 1,5 goals conceded per game is Quilmes' main problem, and the defense will have to work hard to stand against Arsenal's experienced strikers.
"We are not going to wait for Quilmes. We'll assume the offense from the first minute and secure the three points in the south" said Arsenal's midfielder Sergio Senna. Arsenal occupies the 4th position and the top could be theirs upon a victory, if only for a few hours.
Gustavo Alfaro and his team will have to be fully focused to return victorious from Quilmes. Team's top striker Luciano Leguizamon might not be able to perform, struggling with injuries and this seriously weakens Arsenal's offensive.
A relegation six pointer that might also have a great impact in the upper half of the positions table, will the Viaducto be able to return to victory against Hugo Tocalli's brewers?
Friday's hottest match features Ricardo Sensini's Leprosos against Ricarod Gareca's Fortin in a decisive clash for the top fight. The spirit of the locals received a huge boost upon defeating Estudiantes for the Copa Sudamericana, while the visitors fell against Banfield two weeks ago.
Newell's won't prioritize the Sudamericana as long as they have a shot for the Apertura. Standing at the 7th position, this is a golden opportunity for the Leprosos to join the top fight, as they can claim the 3rd position with the three points. Mauro Formica, Iván Borghello and Marcelo Estigarribia are back on the starting team, securing a restless midfield fight between two squads hungry for glory.
Maxi Moralez, Matias Martinez and Santiago Silva will once again lead Velez's offense. Both Moralez and Martinez were in doubt for the game but should now be fully fit for Friday's game.
Both teams have a strong defense (Velez conceded only four goals in eight matches and Newell's five) and for that reason whoever scores the first goal will have a great advantage over its rival.
Gareca recovers Fernando Tobio and Augusto Fernández for this game. Both players have
An exciting game in which much more than three points will be in play for the two teams. Who will bag this six pointer?
The Albos return to their home where they've claimed the last nine possible points looking forward to leapfrog their rival in the fight for the category. Caruso Lombardi's Tigers haven't been beaten in the last five weeks. This will surely be an exciting match in Floresta.
All Boys' coach Jose Romero will introduce a few modifications in his squad. Jonathan Ferrari will take over injured Cristian Vella's place, while Uruguayan Juan Pablo Rodriguez will occupy Hugo Barrientos, suspended in the last match. Tigre's manager Lombardi will have to do without Pablo Cáceres with a muscular fatigue. His place will be taken over by young Cristian Trombetta.
Ribair Rodríguez will have to assume Tigre's offense on his own, as Román Martínez is out with injuries. This is a must-win for the hosts "I'm not happy with what we've been doing in the last meters of the field. The idea is to find a stable squad with more presence in the opposing area" stated the local coach.
A six pointer that will have a huge impact on the future of both teams, who will claim the three points?
Omar Asad's Tombas will host Independiente's devils determined to jump back on the title chase, for the top stands 7 points above their heads. Independiente's new coach Ricardo Pavoni will have to do things extremely well to return home victorious from the Feliciano Gambarte.
Pavoni is looking for fresh blood in his squad and for that reason he'll modify team's general strategy with 4 modifications: Team's goalkeeper Adrian Gabbarini is back, taking over Hilario Navarro's place. Maxi Velazquez, Patito Rodríguez and German Pacheco will strengthen the midfield and their finesse might come in handy to break through Godoy Cruz's defense.
Omar Asad's boys slowed their pace during the last two weeks. Many defensive mistakes have cost the Tombas the last two victories and for that reason Sebastian Torrico will replace Nelson Ibáñez between the posts.
Team's top striker David Ramirez is banned from performing, leaving a question mark on the starting formation. Jairo Castillo might be in need of some help to deal with the local defense, who'll wield his weapons along with the Tombas this Saturday against the Rojos?
Pablo Morant knew he was assuming a great responsibility when he took command of the Wolves' ship, as Gimnasia occupies the second position from bottom of the Apertura standings and River Plate is leaving Gimnasia far behind in the fight for the category.
Argentinos is drifting below the middle of the positions table as well, and the three points will mean everything for both teams.
Argentinos' coach Pedro Troglio will opt for a three man defensive back line to visit the Enchanted Forest. Gonzalo Vargas and Sergio Escudero return to the starting eleven in Argentinos' 3-4-2-1 formation.
Gimnasia has lost four of the last five matches and the Forest is the perfect scenario for their recovery. Pedro Troglio's boys will have a tough not to crack this Saturday's night, will they have what it takes to bag the three points?
Miguel Brindisi will have his debut match away against Miguel Angel Russo in Avellaneda in one of the toughest matches of the week. Rodrigo Battaglia, aged only19, will play his first match in the team, joining Matute Moralez in the midfield. With 9 and 10 points respectively, whoever secures the three point will take a huge step towards avoiding relegation.
Racing's manager surprised everyone by leaving Claudio Bieler in the bench during the last weeks and the Ecuadorian striker might miss this match too. Pablo Luguercio and Gabriel Hauche will be the chosen ones to lead Racing's offense. Globo's formation will focus in the midfield, with Diego Rodríguez and Luciano Nieto returning to the squad.
Racing's creative wizard Giovanni Moreno will play a decisive role in the development of the game, though Huracan's defensive formation will surely keep him under close watch.
The three points are essential for both sides to escape from the bottom fight and find some stable ground in which they can build up a strategy for the second half of the tournament.
Olimpo and Colon are fighting a personal battle in the lower half of the positions table, and the three points can deeply compromise Olimpo with the relegation fight. Colon's new coach Fernando Gamboa will be chancing his arm in Bahia Blanca, as the hosts can reach the Sabaleros upon a victory.
Colon's coach confirmed he'll use a 4-3-1-2 formation to take better advantage of the heavyweight strikers on his squad. Damian Diaz will retire to the center of the midfield leaving Federico Higuain as the main playmaker. Esteban Fuertes and Joaquin Larrivey will occupy the last meters of the field.
Olimpo has lost the last 4 matches they've played and Omar de Felippe is aware he cannot continue losing points or all the effort of the first weeks will be truly wasted. Eduardo Casais and Cristian Villanueva, sent off during the last match will make some room for Juan Pablo Scheffer and Pablo Jerez to defend Aurinegro's back line.
The constant rotation in Olimpo's defense doest not make it any easier for the hosts, receiving a much stronger enemy. Who will claim the three points?
The main derby of the week will be an early final in the Apertura fight, for the Cuervos will have a one-on-one meeting with the Pinchas, who stand above every other squad in the table standings. Eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana, Alejandro Sabella's boys main objective is to lift this year's Apertura title.
A victory at the Nuevo Gasometro will send a clear message to those teams trying to catch up with Estudiantes. The hosts are likely to adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation with Pipi Romangoli as team's main driver. Sebastian Balsas and Juan Carlos Menseguez will join Romagnoli in the offense against one of the toughest defenses of the league.
San Lorenzo's coach will also introduce some modifications in the back line, as Daniel Herner has shown enough credentials to gain an opportunity within the starting squad along with Jonathan Bottinelli and young Fernando Meza.
Estudiantes' captain Juan Sebastian Veron might return to the fields, almost fully recovered from his ankle injuries. Brujita's voice sings louder than any other in Pincha's offense, and his return boosts the morale of the players even higher.
Leandro González is sidelined for the rest of the tournament after last week's shoulder injury, but Uruguayan striker Rodrigo Lopez is about to make his return too. Velez's former top striker will surely sharpen Estudiantes' offense to its maximum.
This game will receive major attention from everyone interested in reaching the top. Perhaps Estudiantes will be better off with one point and a clean defense than going all-in for a victory.
Sunday's third game features Claudio Borghi's Xeneizes against Luis Zubeldia's Granas. Boca Juniors has been one of the most irregular teams in the competition: They defeated Velez Sarsfield and Colon without hesitating, but fell against Racing, Quilmes, San Lorenzo, and finally Estudiantes last week.
The 10 points obtained so far are not enough to keep La Doce happy. Juan Roman Riquelme keeps struggling with injuries and every week he's closer from making his return to the fields. In the meantime, Borghi modifies once again his midfield to find a more stable formation.
Jesus Mendez and Marcelo Cañete will take command of Boca's offense, as Cristian Erbes' performance didn't leave up to Borghi's expectations. Martin Palermo and Lucas Viatri, Boca's deadliest strikers will have to deal with Lanus' experienced defense.
Last week's victory straightened Lanus path. After being defeated 4-1 by Godoy Cruz and 4-0 by Racing the week after, Zubeldia's boys took advantage of the unexperienced Albo squad and claimed the 10th position with 12 points.
Rodrigo Erramuspe returns to Lanus' back line and his main duty will be to keep Martin Palermo from reaching Agustín Marchesín's goal. "We know our rival changes its mood constantly, and that makes them hard to deal with. Viatri is going through an excellent moment and Palermo won't forgive a single mistake. But a victory at La Bombonera is nevertheless possible. There's nothing new with watching Boca or River far from the top in a tournament" declared Lanus' defender Paolo Goltz.
Whoever claims the three points will be rewarded with a place among the top fighters. The hosts cannot concede more points, but Lanus' strength grows when they play far from the south.
Sunday's late game will have a great impact on the top fight, as the second position will belong to whoever win this game, provided certain assistance from their neighbors. River Plate slowed his pace down after a brilliant debut and are forced to bag the full scoring, standing five points below the top. Banfield is making an excellent work in the Sudamericana and is expecting to take that winning spirit to the south before receiving the Rojiblancos.
Julio Cesar Falcioni will try some rotation in his squad for this game. Walter Erviti and Victor Lopez are experiencing minor physical inconveniences and will not be risked for the game. Sebastián Romero, Marcelo Quinteros, Ariel Rosada and Rubén Ramírez will be given a chance to rest before visiting Deportivo Tolima in midweek.
Marcelo Carrusca, on the other hand, has recovered from his injuries and will provide his experience to Banfield's alternative squad. Having received only five goals in eight matches, the Drill can leapfrog every other runner up upon a victory this Sunday.
Miguel Angel Cappa's boys are aware this week's visit to the south is to be faced as an early final for the title fight. Team's veteran striker Ariel Ortega is back on the starting team and his skills will help River's offense break through Taladro's sturdy defense.
Millonarios' coach will adopt a highly offensive formation with Roberto Pereyra and Eric Lamela to keep an even pressure from the bands. Ariel Ortega, Rogelio Funes Mori and Mariano Pavone are the chosen offensive trident. Will they have the strength needed to break Falcioni's alternative defenders and gain once again a place among Argentina's bests?
