Apr 21, 2012: Velez Sarsfield vs Lanus
Round 11 of the Argentine Clausura championship pits together Velez Sarsfield and Lanus in what is expected to be a hotly-contested encounter between two Copa Libertadores participants. Fifth-placed Velez received a reality check midweek, when they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Uruguay's Defensor Sporting for the Libertadores. Despite the defeat, Ricardo Gareca's side still progressed to the round of 16 stage of the competition, and will be hoping to continue to fight on both fronts this season. Rivals Lanus contain arguably one of the strongest squads in Argentina, and the addition of Teofilo Gutierrez will boast an attack which already comprises of sharp-shooters Mariano Pavone and Mario Regueiro.
Prediction: Velez 2-1 Lanus
Apr 21, 2012: Racing Club vs San Martin
Following their devastating 4-1 defeat to Independiente, Racing not only dropped down to 17th position, but they also lost their coach Alfio Basile and star striker Teo Gutierrez. Teo, who put Racing ahead in the first half, ended up getting himself sent off, and was heavily insulted by his team-mates in the dressing room to the point that he got out a rifle before being escorted to a taxi. Quite rightly, the Colombian international had his contract terminated by the club. 31-year-old former Lanus coach Luis Zubeldia will be hoping to get his Racing career off to the best possible start against San Martin at the Cilindro de Avellaneda.
Prediction: Racing 1-0 San Martin
Apr 22, 2012: Godoy Cruz vs Independiente
Independiente may find themselves in 11th place of the 20-team Argentine first division, despite having recorded boosting victories over Boca Juniors and arch-rivals Racing Club this season. The 4-1 drubbing of their Avellaneda rivals should be a major boost for the side as they hope to continue to escalate up the table. 18th-placed Godoy Cruz have been experiencing their worst season for several years, and come into the game following a 4-2 defeat to Penarol of Uruguay in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday. The Mendoza-based side have struggled enormously this season, but will be hoping to obtain a much-needed victory in front of their home fans.
Prediction: Godoy Cruz 2-2 Independiente
Apr 22, 2012: Belgrano vs Boca Juniors
League leaders and defending champions Boca Juniors travel to Cordoba to take on mid-table Belgrano in what promises to be an action-packed encounter. Boca will be hoping to rebound from their unexpected 2-1 defeat to Tigre last weekend with a motivating victory that would confirm their candidacy to win back-to-back league titles. Los Xeneizes come into the game following their comfortable 2-0 victory over Zamora FC for the Copa Libertadores group stage at the Bombonera stadium last Wednesday. Will in-form playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme be able to guide Boca to their seventh win of the season?
Prediction: Belgrano 1-3 Boca
