Preview: Racing Club vs. Independiente - prediction, team news, lineups

The two teams are at completely opposite ends of the table with the hosts currently sitting top of the Argentine Primera division, while the visitors are 19th.

Match preview

Racing Club have been consistent and dominant throughout the season so far, which has been reflected in their league position at the top of the table as they look to claim silverware.

Despite that, The Academy have been in a difficult patch of form as of late, having failed to win in four of their previous six outings in all competitions.

Even though they defeated Aldosivi 5-0 recently, that was followed up by a draw against Sarmiento, which opened up the opportunity for Boca Juniors to close the gap on them in the league.

Racing Club fell behind early on in the second half of their most recent outing, but they were able to salvage a point in the 74th minute with a goal from Enzo Copetti.

There is only a singular point between them and Boca Juniors in the league table, adding plenty of pressure onto each match, but Fernando Gago's men have only lost twice in the league so far.

The same cannot be said for the visitors as they have been beaten seven times throughout this campaign to this point, managing just five victories in their 20 games.

Independiente have also been defeated consecutively heading into Sunday's fixture, which is not the ideal preparation for such a difficult away match.

The most recent of those losses took place last weekend against Platense, even though Lucas Rodriguez had given his team the lead in the 22nd minute of the game.

They were unable to hold onto that for long though and just before the first half was over the match was level, with Platense then going on to score twice in the second 45 minutes.

Conceding too many has been an issue for Independiente this season, as they have leaked 28 goals already in this campaign, which is not ideal as they prepare to face the joint top scorers.

Racing Club Argentine Primera Division form:

Racing Club form (all competitions):

Independiente Argentine Primera Division form:

Independiente form (all competitions):

Team News

Racing Club will likely have Copetti lead the line as the lone striker, fresh from finding the back of the net in their most recent outing.

Despite that, Carlos Alcaraz could still be missing from the starting lineup, which has been the case in the previous five games because of an injury.

Gabriel Hauche did make his return to the matchday squad last weekend after some fitness issues, and he was used as a substitute which could be the case again this time.

The visitors were able to welcome back Alan Sonora during their most recent outing, and he returned straight to the starting lineup with immediate effect.

He is expected to retain his place in the team which means that Juan Cazares will be pushed down to the bench for a second game in a row.

Racing Club possible starting lineup:

Gomez; Mura, Sigali, Insua, Piovi; Vecchio, Moreno, Miranda; Carbonero, Chancalay, Copetti

Independiente possible starting lineup:

Sosa; Vigo, Barreto, Insaurralde, Rodriguez; Marcone, Romero; Fernandez, Gonzalez, Sonora; Benegas

We say: Racing Club 2-0 Independiente

Racing Club have got mixed form as of late, but the fact that they have been so dominant overall throughout the season should allow them to get back on track.

The visitors have struggled throughout the campaign, and going away from home against the league leaders is not the easiest way of changing that.

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