Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Independientevs.Banfield

sportsmole.co.uk, 11 June 2024, 13:10
Still in search of a first victory of the Argentine Primera Division season, Independiente will welcome Banfield to the Estadio Libertadores de America on Thursday.

The hosts have managed just three points from their four outings thus far, while the visitors leapfrogged them with a first triumph of their own at the fourth time of asking last time out.

Match preview

Independiente return to the Estadio Libertadores de America on Thursday aiming to end a disappointing start to their Argentine Primera Division campaign, having already endured a tough domestic term in the preceding Copa de la Liga Profesional.

El Rojo missed out on the quarter-finals of the first phase of the season, having finished sixth in Zone A, earning 23 points from their 14 games and finishing two short of the top four.

Turning their focus to the league format in mid-May, after getting past Juventud Unida to reach the Copa Argentina round of 16, the Avellaneda endured a losing start at the hands of Talleres, having fallen to a 3-1 defeat on home turf, before a goalless draw with Platense spelled the end of Carlos Tevez's stint as manager.

They have played out further consecutive draws since his departure, too, firstly sharing points at home to Velez Sarsfield, as Gabriel Avalos levelled the game at a goal apiece on the hour mark, before most recently visiting fellow winless outfit Defensa y Justicia on Tuesday and leaving with another point from a goalless stalemate.

Now sat 22nd after four games in the Primera Division and 15th in the aggregate table, Independiente will bid to kickstart their campaign and put a first win of the league phase on the board while a search for Tevez's permanent successor continues.

Their visitors, meanwhile, travel aiming to make it back-to-back wins after their own slow start to the domestic campaign.

Like Thursday's hosts, Banfield failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Copa de la Liga Profesional in the first phase of the season, finishing eighth in Zone A with a six-point gap up to Independiente and an eight-point gap to the top four, before collecting just a single point from their first three Primera Division outings.

That draw came against Huracan, either side of away defeats at the hands of Union and Gimnasia, and after getting past Independiente Rivadavia in the Copa Argentina round of 32, El Taladro were able to put a first three-point haul of this phase on the board last Wednesday.

Julio Falcioni's side hosted Newell's Old Boys and the game looked set to end goalless, only for Milton Gimenez to break the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 89th minute before netting his and his side's second to wrap up the victory in injury time.

Having moved ahead of Thursday's hosts in the league table with that win, and within five points in the aggregate table with a seven-point gap up to the Copa Sudamericana spots, Banfield will set out to build on last week's important triumph and put a winning run together in the coming weeks to strengthen their standing.

Independiente Argentine Primera Division form:

W

D

L

D

D

D

Banfield Argentine Primera Division form:

L

W

L

D

L

W

Team News

Independiente are unable to call on key defender Mauricio Isla on Thursday, as he is away on international duty for Chile, while midfielders Ivan Marcano and Lucas Gonzalez and attacker Matias Gimenez remain sidelined by injuries.

Gabriel Avalos should continue to lead the line, with no player in the squad having managed more than two goals across all competitions so far this season, while Santiago Lopez will hope to keep his place alongside the Paraguayan up top.

Elsehwere, in the absence of Marcano and Gonzalez, veteran Federico Mancuello and 19-year-old David Martinez should continue their partnership in the midfield, while Damian Perez, Joaquin Laso and Juan Fedorco will again line up in a back three after their clean sheet last time out.

Banfield could deploy an unchanged starting XI from last week's win over Newell's Old Boys, with Alexis Maldonado, Alejandro Cabrera, Geronimo Rivera, Ezequiel Bonifacio and Jesus Soraire sidelined by injuries.

Milton Gimenez is bound to again spearhead the attack, having moved on to 10 goals for the season with his decisive late brace in their victory, with Bruno Sepulveda again set to join him up front in their 5-3-2 setup.

Cristian Nunez will likely continue in his role at the base of the midfield in front of the back five, allowing Ignacio Rodriguez and Matias Gonzalez to support the strike force.

Independiente possible starting lineup:

Rey; Fedorco, Laso, Perez; Salle, Martinez, Mancuello, Tarzia; Millan; Avalos, Lopez

Banfield possible starting lineup:

Sanguinetti; Alvarez, Maciel, Aranda, Quiros, Insua; Rodriguez, Nunez, Gonzalez; Gimenez, Sepulveda

We say: Independiente 1-1 Banfield

Independiente head into Thursday's contest on home turf desperate for a first win of the second phase of their season, while the visitors will travel with renewed confidence from their triumph last time out.

Previews by email
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer rumours: Douglas Luiz to Juventus, Martin Dubravka to Celtic, Daichi Kamada to Crystal Palace
Italian giants Juventus are reportedly prepared to offer two players in a proposed swap deal for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Top five highest-scoring European Championship finals
Euro 2024 will be the 17th edition of the European Championships and it is set to be one of the most fiercely contested ones to date.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'make final Gareth Southgate call' amid England admission
Manchester United have reportedly come to a decision on whether to pursue the services of England manager Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Newcastle United 'reach full agreement' over 25-year-old signing with 'medical booked'
Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City 'earmark Serie A goalkeeper' as Ederson successor
Manchester City have apparently earmarked a leading Serie A goalkeeper as an ideal signing should Ederson depart the club in the near future.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Internacionalvs.Sao Paulo
Two Brasileiro teams who have made promising starts to the 2024 season square off at the Estadio Heriberto Hulse on Friday as Internacional play host to Sao Paulo.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Benjamin Sesko 'makes huge decision' on RB Leipzig future
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has reportedly come to a final decision on his immediate future amid talk of a possible switch to the Premier League.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Netherlands confirm addition to Euro 2024 squad after second withdrawal
Netherlands have confirmed that there has been one addition to their Euro 2024 squad after seeing a second player withdraw over the past 24 hours.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Athletico PRvs.Criciuma
On the back of a dampening three-game losing run, Athletico Paranaense aim to rectify their recent mistakes at home to bottom-half Brasileiro side Criciuma on Thursday.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Lanusvs.Racing
Gameweek five in the Argentina Primera Division pits Lanus against table-topping Racing Club at Estadio Ciudad de Lanus on Thursday night.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Nottingham Forest 'make decision' over summer transfer strategy
Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking to strengthen in four areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Copa America Group D predictions, standings, fixtures, results: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Aiming to numb the pain of their struggles in recent World Cup qualifying, Brazil will begin their quest for Copa America glory in Group D of this summer's competition.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Copa America 2024 Group B predictions, standings, fixtures, results: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
All four teams will believe they have what it takes to progress from Group B in this summer's Copa America in the USA.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Copa America Group C predictions, standings, fixtures, results: USA, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
Looking to win their first-ever pan-American title at the fifth attempt, USA will be the headline act in Group C of this summer's Copa America, with the Stars and Stripes aiming to impress a home crowd.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cruzeirovs.Cuiaba
Seeking a swift return to triumphant ways, Cruzeiro host Cuiaba at their Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto base in Thursday's Brasileiro battle.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dundalkvs.Sligo
Striving to continue their desperate fight for top-tier safety following a change in management last month, bottom side Dundalk will welcome Sligo Rovers for a League of Ireland clash at Oriel Park on Thursday night.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Poland2 - 1Turkey
Poland have potentially been handed a double injury blow ahead of commencing their Euro 2024 campaign later this week.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer rumours: Liam Delap future, Szczesny to Al-Nassr, Worrall to Sheffield United
Manchester City have reportedly decided to do away with young striker Liam Delap in the summer transfer window.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Club 'worried' about future of in-demand 24-year-old
Chelsea allegedly have concerns over how the transfer saga involving Conor Gallagher could play out during the summer transfer window.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Copa America 2024 Group A predictions, standings, fixtures, results: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
Argentina will look to retain the Copa America they won in 2021 when they travel to the USA for this summer's tournament.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bohemiansvs.Derry
Looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation dogfight during the closing stages of the campaign, Bohemians will aim to topple title-chasing Derry City at Dalymount Park on Thursday night in the League of Ireland.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Omari Forson 'agrees' to join Serie A club after Manchester United exit
Omari Forson has reportedly made the decision to move to Serie A after his exit from Manchester United.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Germany duo 'involved in training ground bust-up' ahead of Euro 2024 opener
Two Germany players were allegedly involved in a heated training-ground exchange in front of thousands of supporters ahead of their opening Euro 2024 tie.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Pep Guardiola makes Barcelona return decision amid Manchester City uncertainty
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed his thoughts over a potential return to Barcelona in the future.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea defender 'in line for Euro 2024 call-up' after injury blow
A Chelsea defender still waiting for his first senior international cap is reportedly in line to be called up to his nation's Euro 2024 squad following a major injury blow.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Serbiavs.England
England manager Gareth Southgate reportedly plans to start Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for the Three Lions' Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Transfer Talk Update: Erling Haaland, Raphinha, Kobbie Mainoo
The season is over and while the transfer window doesn't technically open until June 14, clubs across the UK and Europe are free to get deals in place ahead of next season.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Deportivo Riestravs.River Plate
River Plate can maintain their slender lead atop the overall table in the Argentine Primera Division with a victory on Thursday versus Deportivo Riestra at Estadio Guillermo Laza.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tigrevs.Belgrano
Seeking just their second victory in the 2024 Argentine Primera Division campaign, Tigre play host to Belgrano on Thursday at Estadio Jose Dellagiovanna.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Brasileiro predictions including Botafogo vs. Fluminense
Atletico GO vs. Corinthians (Tuesday, 11.00pm) Two teams occupying the Brasileiro relegation zone will meet on Tuesday when Atletico Goianiense hosts Corinthians. With just one victory each to their names after the opening seven matches, there is plenty of pressure on them to start changing their fortunes.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sarmientovs.Estudiantes
Estudiantes can keep pace with the other title contenders in the Argentine Primera Division when they head to Estadio Eva Peron on Thursday to face Sarmiento.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's International Friendlies predictions including Portugal vs. Republic of Ireland
Mongolia vs. Cambodia (Tuesday, 10.00am) Mongolia will host Cambodia on Tuesday at MFF Football Centre in their first home fixture of 2024 and the second friendly between these sides over the past few days. The Cambodians triumphed 2-0 over Mongolia on Friday, thanks to a pair of goals within the opening half hour of that encounter.
11 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Newell's OBvs.Instituto
Newell's Old Boys can maintain their 100% home record in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division season when they host Instituto on Thursday at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atletico Madrid 'reignite interest' in wantaway Tottenham Hotspur midfielder
Atletico Madrid have reportedly renewed their interest in signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Which team has the best defence at Euro 2024?
Euro 2024 is nearly upon us and the excitement is building among the 24 nations bidding to come out on top at this summer's tournament.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Netherlands suffer major injury blow as Barcelona star ruled out of Euro 2024
Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of Euro 2024 due to an ankle injury.
Show more

Top News

17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are likely to at least resolve the contract situations of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the coming months, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly already decided whether they intend to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Bruno Fernandes has insisted that Roy Keane's criticism is a source of motivation for the Manchester United captain. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly likely to increase the asking price of Marcus Rashford ahead of the summer transfer window. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Jadon Sancho could still end up back at Manchester United next season as the winger faces criticism over his Chelsea spell. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk India and Maldives will play out an international friendly at the Polo Ground in Shillong on Wednesday ahead of the start of their Asian Cup qualifying campaigns next week. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Do not be fooled by Lionel Messi's small frame and footballing charm. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has withdrawn from international duty with Norway. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's Champions League and EFL Cup final heartache should not precede a Premier League title collapse, former Reds striker Emile Heskey has exclusively told Sports Mole. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez and midfielder Marc Casado picked up injuries in Sunday's 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Michail Antonio has opened up on how he has reacted to his near-death car crash. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Tottenham have a list of potential replacements for if they decide to part company with Ange Postecoglou, talkSPORT understands. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have reportedly identified Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero as one of three centre-back targets. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle fans deserve their moment of glory with the Carabao Cup, but there may be excessive sentimental celebration attached to it. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Vietnam and Cambodia are set to face off at the Go Dau Stadium on Wednesday afternoon in an international friendly match. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Chris Wilder was caught on camera mocking Sheffield Wednesday during his post-match derby celebrations. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Thomas Tuchel will take charge of his first game as England manager this Friday as the Three Lions take on Albania, live on talkSPORT. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Former United States soccer star Alexi Lalas has highlighted a potential issue with the US Men's National Team. 17 March 2025 talksport.com England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to take charge of his first game on Friday night, but he won't be singing the national anthem. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Gennaro Gattuso was involved in a furious spat with a pundit live on Croatian TV after Hajduk Split's latest defeat. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Tottenham have one last opportunity to lift their first trophy in 16 years this season as a host of ex-stars continue to claim silverware. 17 March 2025 talksport.com It's all to play for in the hunt for Champions League football. 17 March 2025 talksport.com A fan's three-word verbal jab sparked a heated confrontation with Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk West Ham United and AC Milan are reportedly among the clubs who are circling for one of Burnley's star defenders. 17 March 2025 talksport.com It's advantage Lionel Messi in his personal battle with Brad Guzan. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have reportedly identified a key Arsenal defender as a potential summer transfer target. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have reportedly learned how much they would have to pay to get a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga over the line. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk England boss Thomas Tuchel has added Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White to his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Emma Saunders was left touched after an emotional tribute from fans of Lens.