Apr 27, 2012: Estudiantes vs Velez Sarsfield
Estudiantes de La Plata welcome Velez Sarsfield to the Cuidad de La Plata in arguably the most high-profile clash of Round 12 of the Argentine Clausura championship. Estudiantes have struggled to find their form in recent weeks, but will be boosted by the return of playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron. The injury-plagued former Argentine international recently announced that he will hang up his boots earlier than expected due to his lack of fitness this season. Velez, who will face Atletico Nacional in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 stage next week, have a game in hand in the Clausura and if they manage to beat Estudiantes and then win their following game they will have the possibility to climb to the top of the table.
Prediction: Estudiantes 1-0 Velez
Apr 27, 2012: Lanus vs Racing Club
Another highly anticipated game will be the one between Lanus and Racing. The match is expected to be hotly-contested, not only because the teams find themselves towards the bottom of the table, but because this time Colombian international Teofilo Gutierrez will be on Lanus' side instead. The controversial striker had his Racing contract terminated following incidents which occurred after La Academia were thrashed 4-1 by arch-rivals Independiente in the recent Avellaneda derby. Though, fortunately there's no chance that Teo will be in all of the wrong headlines against his former club, because he has only been permitted to feature for Lanus in the Copa Libertadores.
Prediction: Lanus 2-0 Racing
Apr 28, 2012: Boca Juniors vs Colon
Argentine champions Boca Juniors will be hoping to return to winning ways, after dropping five points in their last two games, when they entertain seventh-placed Colon de Santa Fe at the Bombonera stadium on Saturday. Boca, who advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa Argentina following their penalty shootout victory over Olimpo on Wednesday, have an extremely busy schedule ahead, as next week they will face Union Espanola in the Copa Libertadores, but they can't afford to let their Clausura lead slip-out of their hands against a rock-solid Colon. Nevertheless, Julio Falcioni's side come into the game as the odds on favourites to register the three points.
Prediction: Boca 2-1 Colon
Apr 28, 2012: Newell's Old Boys vs All Boys
Newell's Old Boys, who are joint league leaders with Boca, but with an inferior goal-difference, take on fifth-placed All Boys in what promises to be an intriguing clash. Both teams will be hoping to fight for the title this season, and will have the possibility of doing this by winning on Saturday. Newell's, who will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight games, have the necessary firepower to warrant a convincing victory and a packed Coloso del Parque will increase their chances of doing exactly this. Meanwhile, rivals All Boys will be looking for their fourth victory on the trot to cut the distance with the front-runners.
Newell's 2-2 All Boys
