Velez looks forward to Estudiantes to make a false move in the fight for the top.
With only three games yet to be played, the end can bring forth innumerable surprises to the Argentinean league. Estudiantes occupies the top position with 36 points, while Velez keeps its hopes alive standing two points below after 16 games.
J J Lopez's River Plate made a major step forward in the last week as they finally managed to leapfrog Huracan in the fight for the category. Pablo Morant's Lobos have not been so lucky and will have to improve a lot if they don't want to start 2011's Clausura so compromised with the relegation.
Reigning Clausura champion Argentinos visits La Plata eager to celebrate it's seventh consecutive victory undefeated and obtain three points that might take them to the 5th position on the table standings.
Miguel Angel Russo's Racing look forward to qualify for next year's Libertadores as they host Pablo Morant's desperate Lobos. River visits Colon's Elephant Cemetery while Boca hosts Quilmes in La Bombonera.
Two teams with two totally different realities take on each other this Wednesday in what could be a death sentence for Omar De Felippe's Aurinegros. Arsenal occupies the third position, eight points below the top.
Arsenal top strikers Mauro Obolo and Luciano Leguizamon will be a tough not to crack for Olimpo defenders. The hosts have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game and Gustavo Alfaro's boys will be ready to exploit whatever advantage they're given to its maximum.
Leguizamon finished last week's game against San Lorenzo with a minor injury and his evolution during the last days will be decisive to see whether or not he'll be able to perform in Bahia Blanca. His natural replacement, Andrés Franzoia, might also be unable to perform, recovering from a thigh distension.
Olimpo recovers playmaker Martín Aguirre, who missed last week's six-pointer against River due to injuries. Olimpo coach might introduce major modifications on his scheme, looking forward to return to victory after four weeks.
It's been almost two months since el Aurinegro was lastly defeated at home. A must win for both teams for their personal fights in the Apertura. Who'll make it?
All Boys looks forward to celebrate its fourth consecutive victory in Floresta as Pepe Romero's Albos receive Banfield on Friday night. All Boys' captain Sebastian Grazzini is fully recovered but Romero might choose not to risk him from the first minute on.
Albo's goalkeeper Nicolas Cambiasso recognized his responsibility on the goal that gave Quilmes the three points last week in the south. "I will not commit suicide.. It was just a mistake, I'm sure I'll learn from it" he said.
Sebastian Ereros and Mauro Matos are likely to be leading All Boys attack as Luis Rodriguez struggles with a leg injury that might stop him from performing, joining Matías Pérez García and Cristian Fabbiani in the list of physically compromised players.
It's been almost two months since Banfield was lastly defeated playing away. Julio Cesar Falcioni's Taladros, who've obtained only one point in the last four matches, are aware another defeat can be a major setback for Banfield.
Sent off against Godoy Cruz two weeks ago, Banfield defender Mauro Dos Santos is likely to return to the team taking over Victor Lopez's place, who saw the red card against Racing Club last week.
Falcioni has two doubts for this clash as Marcelo Bustamente and Walter Ervitti might not be fully fit to perform. Their presence will surely boost Banfield attack to its maximum.
Who'll claim the three points in Floresta?
As Racing fights for the last Libertadores qualifying place, Pablo Morant's Gimnasia struggles to escape from the bottom fight without much success. A victory is mandatory for both sides to face the last two matches of the Apertura at full capacity.
Uruguayan international Jorge Cordoba and Fabian Rinaudo won't be able to perform for los Lobos, making room for Hernan Encina and Claudio Graf to lead the attack.
With only one victory in the last nine matches, Gimnasia needs the three points badly to shorten the gap from Huracan in the relegation fight.
Racing's captain Claudio Yacob might be missing yet another game, as the evolution of his ankle injury has been far from satisfying. Young Bruno Zuculini will take over his place if he's unable to perform.
Experienced Academia's defender Roberto Ayala will replace Matias Martinez in the back line, while Ivan Pillud takes over Marcos Caceres' place.
Apertura leader Estudiantes receives Clausura reigning champion Argentinos eager to take another step ahead to secure this year's title. Estudiantes has won every single game in La Plata without conceding a single goal so far.
After a disappointing debut this season, Argentinos seems to have find the right path for success, having claimed 17 out of the last 24 possible points. "Facing Estudiantes now a days is like facing Boca Juniors or River Plate. It's a motivation playing against such a powerful team" said Argentinos' midfielder Gonzalo Prosperi.
Argentinos' head coach Pedro Troglio will repeat the same formation that soundly defeated Colon earlier this week. The good news for Bichitos' manager is that Gustavo Oberman is almost fully recovered and might play at least for some minutes to recover his form.
Estudiantes' creative leader Enzo Perez has been banned from performing the next two matches, severely weakening Pincha's attack. Maxi Núnez will be taking over his place, while Leandro Benitez returns to the team replacing Juan Pablo Pereyra in the midfield.
A victory is mandatory for the hosts to prolong their leadership while Argentinos can claim the fifth position upon a victory and some assistance from their neighbors.. Will they make it?
Fernando Gamboa's Sabaleros hosts J J Lopez's River Plate in Saturday's late game. The Elephant Cemetery has always been a difficult stadium for the Millonarios, will they return home with the three points?
"We failed this season to maintain our level. We could never find the path to play better. This is a golden opportunity to close the year in the best possible form after an irregular season" said Colon midfielder Juan Quiroga, fully aware of the situation his team is going through.
Fernando Gamboa recovers Mauro Bellone for this clash and his presence will be decisive in the midfield. "We need to be more aggressive and get more control of the ball" said Sabaleros' coach during the week.
River's captain Matias Almeyda might be missing this game as he struggles with injuries. Let's not forget River has not been able to celebrate a single victory without Almeyda in this tournament.
Having scored 15 goals in the last 16 games, J J Lopez's Millonarios are among the less prolific teams in the competition. Their aerial superiority might give the answer in Santa Fe and help River return home victorious.
The last four consecutive defeats have greatly undermined the spirit of Miguel Brindisi's Huracan. standing below the relegation line, a victory is mandatory in Victoria to recover their spirit.
Young Rodrigo Battaglia has successfully taken command of Huracan cruise. "We'll have to make a double effort from now on both in the training and in the next three matches. Brindisi wants to start all over in the next tournament, but I believe the next matches are fundamental to add as many units as possible to face the Clausura" said Globo's young promise.
Tigre manager Ricardo Caruso Lombardi has been the subject of a public scandal as Colombian Juan Camilo Angulo Villegas declared Caruso asked for a monetary compensation to give the winger a shot among the starting squad.
This might be the last straw that breaks the camel's back for Lombardi, who is already convinced to abandon Tigre's ship as soon as the Apertura is over.
A relegation six-pointer between two teams in great need of a victory to regain their self-confidence. Who'll claim it?
The last five games have greatly undermined the confidence of Ramon Diaz's Cuervos, as San Lorenzo has not returned to victory since October 15th, when they beat Tigre 2-0. Newell's, on the other hand, has only won one game playing away so far.
San Lorenzo's midfielder Guillermo Pereyra received his fifth yellow card last week in Sarandi and won't be able to perform. Aureliano Torres returns to the team and will most surely be taking over Pereyra's place as Ramon Diaz does not want to modify his scheme match after match.
Cuervos' captain Diego Rivero will be the main driver of the team, responsible for feeding Fabian Bordagaray with enough goalscoring opportunities to secure the three points stay in Almagro.
Newell's goalkeeper Sebastian Peratta must be prepared for a difficult game at the Nuevo Gasometro. Newell's has conceded more goals than any other team in the tournament -except for Huracan - with an average of 1.5 goals per game.
Newell's coach Roberto Sensini will have to do without Luciano Vella and Ivan Borghello. Having scored a beautiful goal last week against Boca Juniors, young Luis Rodriguez is likely to replace Borghello on the attack.
An interesting game this Sunday, who'll claim the full scoring?
Velez Sarsfield visits Mendoza to take on a powerful rival as they struggle to keep up with Estudiantes' pace. The hosts might be missing their top striker David Ramirez, while the visitors repeat the same formation once again.
Godoy Cruz is at the doorsteps of Libertadores qualification, a competition they've never played before. Team's coach Omar Asad is aware the last three games will be decisive to ensure qualification. "We don't want to rely on anybody but ourselves, and the three points are essential for this" said Asad earlier this week.
Velez's top strikers Santiago Silva and Juan Manuel Martinez will have a tough nut to crack at the Feliciano Gambarte stadium this Sunday. Nullifying their offensive firepower should be Tomba's defense main priority.
Ricardo Gareca will be missing Fabian Cubero and Emiliano Papa once again in the back line. "This is a defining match for us, and thus we'll be fully focused as always to secure the three points" said Velez head coach.
Will Gareca's Fortin be able to return home victorious from Mendoza?
Thanks to Leonardo Madelon, Quilmes has been able to celebrate its first two victories in the tournament in the last three weeks. Roberto Pompei's Xeneizes must secure the full scoring not to finish once again in the lower half of the positions table.
Quilmes' coach has found great success with a 4-3-1-2 formation that takes full advantage of Santiago Raymonda's finesse. Miguel Caneo and Bernardo Romeo (scorers of last week's winning goals against All Boys) will not be part of the starting squad but are likely to join the game if the visitors need to strengthen their attack.
Young Sergio Araujo missed the opportunity granted by Pompei to become part of the regular squad last week. Lucas Viatri might not reach Sunday's game fully recovered from an ankle injury, and it seems Araujo will once agan be joining Martin Palermo in the attack.
Matias Caruzzo and Clemente Rodriguez will both be unable to perform, as they received their fifth yellow card in Rosario last week. Rodrigo Battaglia and Fabian Monzon will take over their places as Pompei modifies his scheme to adapt to this awkward situation.
Cristian Erbes will be leading the advance from the right wing, assisted by Chilean international Gary Medel.
Will Leonardo Madelon's Cerveceros have what it takes to return home victorious from La Bombonera?
Antonio Mohammed's Diablos visit the South to lock horns with Gabriel Schurrer's Lanus.
The hosts look forward to celebrate a third consecutive victory, essential to remain competitive for the last Libertadores qualifying place, while Independiente presents an alternative team once again, focused on the Sudamericana second-leg final next week in Avellaneda.
Independiente has failed to celebrate a single victory since the derby almost two months ago, and the 18th position is an awkward place for one of Argentina's major teams to stand in.
Rojos' substitutes showed they must not be taken for granted last week against Estudiantes and will be looking forward to show their worth once again on Sunday's evening.
Lanus new manager has only known success with his team so far, with a perfect record in the two games played so far. He'll have to do without Mario Regueiro (sent off last week against Huracan) and Luciano Balbi, who struggles with a major injury. Sebastian Blanco and Maxi Lugo are likely to join the starting eleven instead.
Lanus has a busy schedule ahead, facing Argentinos and River in the next two games. Will they obtain three decisive points for the Libertadores against Independiente?
J J Lopez's River Plate made a major step forward in the last week as they finally managed to leapfrog Huracan in the fight for the category. Pablo Morant's Lobos have not been so lucky and will have to improve a lot if they don't want to start 2011's Clausura so compromised with the relegation.
Reigning Clausura champion Argentinos visits La Plata eager to celebrate it's seventh consecutive victory undefeated and obtain three points that might take them to the 5th position on the table standings.
Miguel Angel Russo's Racing look forward to qualify for next year's Libertadores as they host Pablo Morant's desperate Lobos. River visits Colon's Elephant Cemetery while Boca hosts Quilmes in La Bombonera.
Two teams with two totally different realities take on each other this Wednesday in what could be a death sentence for Omar De Felippe's Aurinegros. Arsenal occupies the third position, eight points below the top.
Arsenal top strikers Mauro Obolo and Luciano Leguizamon will be a tough not to crack for Olimpo defenders. The hosts have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game and Gustavo Alfaro's boys will be ready to exploit whatever advantage they're given to its maximum.
Leguizamon finished last week's game against San Lorenzo with a minor injury and his evolution during the last days will be decisive to see whether or not he'll be able to perform in Bahia Blanca. His natural replacement, Andrés Franzoia, might also be unable to perform, recovering from a thigh distension.
Olimpo recovers playmaker Martín Aguirre, who missed last week's six-pointer against River due to injuries. Olimpo coach might introduce major modifications on his scheme, looking forward to return to victory after four weeks.
It's been almost two months since el Aurinegro was lastly defeated at home. A must win for both teams for their personal fights in the Apertura. Who'll make it?
All Boys looks forward to celebrate its fourth consecutive victory in Floresta as Pepe Romero's Albos receive Banfield on Friday night. All Boys' captain Sebastian Grazzini is fully recovered but Romero might choose not to risk him from the first minute on.
Albo's goalkeeper Nicolas Cambiasso recognized his responsibility on the goal that gave Quilmes the three points last week in the south. "I will not commit suicide.. It was just a mistake, I'm sure I'll learn from it" he said.
Sebastian Ereros and Mauro Matos are likely to be leading All Boys attack as Luis Rodriguez struggles with a leg injury that might stop him from performing, joining Matías Pérez García and Cristian Fabbiani in the list of physically compromised players.
It's been almost two months since Banfield was lastly defeated playing away. Julio Cesar Falcioni's Taladros, who've obtained only one point in the last four matches, are aware another defeat can be a major setback for Banfield.
Sent off against Godoy Cruz two weeks ago, Banfield defender Mauro Dos Santos is likely to return to the team taking over Victor Lopez's place, who saw the red card against Racing Club last week.
Falcioni has two doubts for this clash as Marcelo Bustamente and Walter Ervitti might not be fully fit to perform. Their presence will surely boost Banfield attack to its maximum.
Who'll claim the three points in Floresta?
As Racing fights for the last Libertadores qualifying place, Pablo Morant's Gimnasia struggles to escape from the bottom fight without much success. A victory is mandatory for both sides to face the last two matches of the Apertura at full capacity.
Uruguayan international Jorge Cordoba and Fabian Rinaudo won't be able to perform for los Lobos, making room for Hernan Encina and Claudio Graf to lead the attack.
With only one victory in the last nine matches, Gimnasia needs the three points badly to shorten the gap from Huracan in the relegation fight.
Racing's captain Claudio Yacob might be missing yet another game, as the evolution of his ankle injury has been far from satisfying. Young Bruno Zuculini will take over his place if he's unable to perform.
Experienced Academia's defender Roberto Ayala will replace Matias Martinez in the back line, while Ivan Pillud takes over Marcos Caceres' place.
Apertura leader Estudiantes receives Clausura reigning champion Argentinos eager to take another step ahead to secure this year's title. Estudiantes has won every single game in La Plata without conceding a single goal so far.
After a disappointing debut this season, Argentinos seems to have find the right path for success, having claimed 17 out of the last 24 possible points. "Facing Estudiantes now a days is like facing Boca Juniors or River Plate. It's a motivation playing against such a powerful team" said Argentinos' midfielder Gonzalo Prosperi.
Argentinos' head coach Pedro Troglio will repeat the same formation that soundly defeated Colon earlier this week. The good news for Bichitos' manager is that Gustavo Oberman is almost fully recovered and might play at least for some minutes to recover his form.
Estudiantes' creative leader Enzo Perez has been banned from performing the next two matches, severely weakening Pincha's attack. Maxi Núnez will be taking over his place, while Leandro Benitez returns to the team replacing Juan Pablo Pereyra in the midfield.
A victory is mandatory for the hosts to prolong their leadership while Argentinos can claim the fifth position upon a victory and some assistance from their neighbors.. Will they make it?
Fernando Gamboa's Sabaleros hosts J J Lopez's River Plate in Saturday's late game. The Elephant Cemetery has always been a difficult stadium for the Millonarios, will they return home with the three points?
"We failed this season to maintain our level. We could never find the path to play better. This is a golden opportunity to close the year in the best possible form after an irregular season" said Colon midfielder Juan Quiroga, fully aware of the situation his team is going through.
Fernando Gamboa recovers Mauro Bellone for this clash and his presence will be decisive in the midfield. "We need to be more aggressive and get more control of the ball" said Sabaleros' coach during the week.
River's captain Matias Almeyda might be missing this game as he struggles with injuries. Let's not forget River has not been able to celebrate a single victory without Almeyda in this tournament.
Having scored 15 goals in the last 16 games, J J Lopez's Millonarios are among the less prolific teams in the competition. Their aerial superiority might give the answer in Santa Fe and help River return home victorious.
The last four consecutive defeats have greatly undermined the spirit of Miguel Brindisi's Huracan. standing below the relegation line, a victory is mandatory in Victoria to recover their spirit.
Young Rodrigo Battaglia has successfully taken command of Huracan cruise. "We'll have to make a double effort from now on both in the training and in the next three matches. Brindisi wants to start all over in the next tournament, but I believe the next matches are fundamental to add as many units as possible to face the Clausura" said Globo's young promise.
Tigre manager Ricardo Caruso Lombardi has been the subject of a public scandal as Colombian Juan Camilo Angulo Villegas declared Caruso asked for a monetary compensation to give the winger a shot among the starting squad.
This might be the last straw that breaks the camel's back for Lombardi, who is already convinced to abandon Tigre's ship as soon as the Apertura is over.
A relegation six-pointer between two teams in great need of a victory to regain their self-confidence. Who'll claim it?
The last five games have greatly undermined the confidence of Ramon Diaz's Cuervos, as San Lorenzo has not returned to victory since October 15th, when they beat Tigre 2-0. Newell's, on the other hand, has only won one game playing away so far.
San Lorenzo's midfielder Guillermo Pereyra received his fifth yellow card last week in Sarandi and won't be able to perform. Aureliano Torres returns to the team and will most surely be taking over Pereyra's place as Ramon Diaz does not want to modify his scheme match after match.
Cuervos' captain Diego Rivero will be the main driver of the team, responsible for feeding Fabian Bordagaray with enough goalscoring opportunities to secure the three points stay in Almagro.
Newell's goalkeeper Sebastian Peratta must be prepared for a difficult game at the Nuevo Gasometro. Newell's has conceded more goals than any other team in the tournament -except for Huracan - with an average of 1.5 goals per game.
Newell's coach Roberto Sensini will have to do without Luciano Vella and Ivan Borghello. Having scored a beautiful goal last week against Boca Juniors, young Luis Rodriguez is likely to replace Borghello on the attack.
An interesting game this Sunday, who'll claim the full scoring?
Velez Sarsfield visits Mendoza to take on a powerful rival as they struggle to keep up with Estudiantes' pace. The hosts might be missing their top striker David Ramirez, while the visitors repeat the same formation once again.
Godoy Cruz is at the doorsteps of Libertadores qualification, a competition they've never played before. Team's coach Omar Asad is aware the last three games will be decisive to ensure qualification. "We don't want to rely on anybody but ourselves, and the three points are essential for this" said Asad earlier this week.
Velez's top strikers Santiago Silva and Juan Manuel Martinez will have a tough nut to crack at the Feliciano Gambarte stadium this Sunday. Nullifying their offensive firepower should be Tomba's defense main priority.
Ricardo Gareca will be missing Fabian Cubero and Emiliano Papa once again in the back line. "This is a defining match for us, and thus we'll be fully focused as always to secure the three points" said Velez head coach.
Will Gareca's Fortin be able to return home victorious from Mendoza?
Thanks to Leonardo Madelon, Quilmes has been able to celebrate its first two victories in the tournament in the last three weeks. Roberto Pompei's Xeneizes must secure the full scoring not to finish once again in the lower half of the positions table.
Quilmes' coach has found great success with a 4-3-1-2 formation that takes full advantage of Santiago Raymonda's finesse. Miguel Caneo and Bernardo Romeo (scorers of last week's winning goals against All Boys) will not be part of the starting squad but are likely to join the game if the visitors need to strengthen their attack.
Young Sergio Araujo missed the opportunity granted by Pompei to become part of the regular squad last week. Lucas Viatri might not reach Sunday's game fully recovered from an ankle injury, and it seems Araujo will once agan be joining Martin Palermo in the attack.
Matias Caruzzo and Clemente Rodriguez will both be unable to perform, as they received their fifth yellow card in Rosario last week. Rodrigo Battaglia and Fabian Monzon will take over their places as Pompei modifies his scheme to adapt to this awkward situation.
Cristian Erbes will be leading the advance from the right wing, assisted by Chilean international Gary Medel.
Will Leonardo Madelon's Cerveceros have what it takes to return home victorious from La Bombonera?
Antonio Mohammed's Diablos visit the South to lock horns with Gabriel Schurrer's Lanus.
The hosts look forward to celebrate a third consecutive victory, essential to remain competitive for the last Libertadores qualifying place, while Independiente presents an alternative team once again, focused on the Sudamericana second-leg final next week in Avellaneda.
Independiente has failed to celebrate a single victory since the derby almost two months ago, and the 18th position is an awkward place for one of Argentina's major teams to stand in.
Rojos' substitutes showed they must not be taken for granted last week against Estudiantes and will be looking forward to show their worth once again on Sunday's evening.
Lanus new manager has only known success with his team so far, with a perfect record in the two games played so far. He'll have to do without Mario Regueiro (sent off last week against Huracan) and Luciano Balbi, who struggles with a major injury. Sebastian Blanco and Maxi Lugo are likely to join the starting eleven instead.
Lanus has a busy schedule ahead, facing Argentinos and River in the next two games. Will they obtain three decisive points for the Libertadores against Independiente?
