Argentina's Clausura entered its last stage, with Independiente unchallenged at the top. Their places for the Knockout Stage on the Copa Libertadores are almost secured, but with 18 points in play for the title anything is possible. Velez's coach Ricardo Gareca declared its team objective will be the American title, and his stars will be given a rest for what could be a decisive match for the title. Julio Cesar Falcioni will be going for everything, and with Santiago Fernandez and Ruben Ramirez, the Drill would be almost unstoppable.
An opportunity to dream
Velez's performance during the last weeks have undermined Tigre Gareca's confidence, and even though the Fortin is standing only eight points away most team's integral players will be given a chance to rest. It is unknown whether team's top striker Santiago Silva will be facing its former team, which he led to last year's title, as his presence has also been conclusive in the Libertadores.
Something is not working in the team, but the manager has been unable to find a way to make the most out of his players. With five first-tier strikers in their squad, they've only scored one goal in the last three matches, and this drought is starting to worry the Pandilla, though it's clear the success at the Libertadores is what's making this present be joyful at Liniers; One step backwards for the Cup and the situation might get out of their hands.
Emiliano Papa has finally fully recovered from a long injury and will be within the starting eleven to recover some minutes in the fields, as well as Leandro Somoza (Who saw a red card against Cruzeiro and won't be able for the next American game). Rolando Zarate and Leandro Caruso (Two of last year's stars who know have lost their place in the squad with Santiago Silva's joining) will be struggling to have their place in the Libertadores, where all the eyes will be looking.
Burrito Martinez, not fully recovered from his injuries will be taking Maxi Moralez place, for the formation won't be that different from Gareca's style, as he'll be making the tournament an Arena where to find replacements for his Libertadores' stars.
Paths of glory
Thanks to last year's title Banfield has obtained a place in the Libertadores that they've defended with superb results, while entering top-five in the league's standings, determined to recover the title once again. James Rodriguez and Walter Ervitti are weaving a thread of fantastic football that have drove the ball towards the opponent's area continuously, and Santiago Fernandez and Ruben Ramirez have not made anyone miss Santiago Silva.
With seven points in the last three weeks Julio Cesar Falcioni has taken the drill to the fifth position, only five points below the leader, playing on Saturday. Given the Rojos are stopped by San Lorenzo, Banfield might open a two points gap from the top. Considering Independiente will be soon traveling south to face Banfield, this might be decisive to claim the crown once again, giving Falcioni's Banfield a place in Argentina's football history.
Marcelo Quinteros' suspension last week gave Matías Cardaccio an opportunity to show its football, and he has satisfied team's manager. It's likely to see Quinteros given some time to rest for this match as it is yet unknown what this young midfielder is capable of. For the rest of the team the same eleven that beat San Lorenzo last week will be on the fields from minute one, though James Rodriguez and Ruben Ramirez might be replaced soon, for they already have four yellow cards and for next week's match against the leader their presence will be conclusive.
Cristian Luchetti has kept its team goal secured most of the tournament, conceding only 10 goals in 13 matches, and the security of his gloves will be an edge Falcioni's team will have to take advantage of
Historical Facts
Velez has the upper hands in this match's history, having won 34 of the 73 matches ever played against Banfield's 16. The Fortin also scored 26 goals more than their rivals, The Taladro has not obtained a victory at Liniers in the last five years, but last year's match gives a much more realistic look of what this match will be like, where Julio Cesar Falcioni walk away with a 3-0 thanks to James Rodriguez's skills, and coach's historical against Velez Sarsfield is rather optimistic; in 13 matches he claimed victory 7 times. A clash of giants will be witnessed this Sunday in Liniers from which only one giant will be able to remain standing.
