Friday's Argentine Primera Division predictions including Barracas Central vs. Newell's Old Boys

Barracas Central vs. Newell's OB (Friday, 7.00pm)

After over a month's break, the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division will resume this week with Barracas Central playing host to Newell's Old Boys on Thursday evening.

Both sides have made a fairly underwhelming start to the second phase of the season, with the hosts currently on four points after the first five games, while the visitors are just two points better off.

We say: Barracas Central 1-1 Newell's Old Boys

Barracas Central have maintained a decent home record this season, and got some much-needed game time in the cup competition last week, which could be an influential factor here.

Newell's, on the other hand, have not played a competitive fixture in over a month, and we feel they may just need this match to find their rhythm.

Belgrano vs. Deportivo Riestra (Friday, 11.00pm)

Gameweek six in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division season will see Belgrano taking on Deportivo Riestra at Estadio Julio Cesar Villagra on Friday night.

The hosts are in 10th place with eight points after the first five matches, while the visitors are two points behind their opponents and are currently in 18th place.

We say: Belgrano 2-1 Deportivo Riestra

While neither of these sides have set the league alight this season, Belgrano have looked better in the second phase and were unbeaten in their last three matches ahead of the international break. This should be a fairly even contest but we fancy the hosts to claim the points.

Rosario vs. Sarmiento (Saturday, 1.00am)

On Friday, Sarmiento can hand Rosario Central their first home defeat in the second phase of the 2024 Argentine Primera Division campaign when the two sides face each other at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito.

Canalla extended their unbeaten run in this competition to four games with a 1-1 draw versus Godoy Cruz last week, while Sarmiento have won consecutive matches, beating Estudiantes 2-0 in their previous league fixture.

We say: Rosario Central 1-0 Sarmiento

Although Sarmiento are in good form, having a lengthy break did not come at the most opportune moment, and we believe that long layoff will hamper them against Rosario.