Monday's Argentine Primera Division predictions including Barracas Central vs. Atletico Tucuman

Barracas Central vs. Tucuman (Monday, 7.00pm)

Barracas Central can claim their first home triumph in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division season when they host Atletico Tucuman on Monday at Estadio Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia.

On Tuesday, La Malla Enteriza had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Independiente, while Tucuman were 1-0 winners over Instituto.

We say: Barracas Central 0-0 Atletico Tucuman

Neither side have been all that clinical in the attacking third in the second phase, so we expect to see a dull but close game on Monday.

Defensa vs. Platense (Monday, 8.30pm)

Still seeking their first victory in the second phase of the Argentine Primer Division campaign, Defensa y Justicia will host Platense on Monday at Estadio Norberto "Tito" Tomaghello.

In their previous encounter on Wednesday, Defensa played to a 1-1 draw with Talleres Cordoba, while Marron were beaten 2-0 by Velez Sarsfield.

We say: Defensa y Justicia 1-1 Platense

Five of the eight meetings between these sides have resulted in a draw, and we expect another close encounter on Monday, with neither looking convincing enough for us to believe they will claim maximum points.

C. Cordoba vs. Velez Sarsfield (Monday, 10.45pm)

Seeking to make it three Primera Division wins on the trot for the first time this season, Velez Sarsfield visit the Estadio Alfredo Terrera to take on Central Cordoba on Monday.

El Ferroviario, who are currently rooted to the bottom of the table, will head into the game looking to end their run of three back-to-back home defeats and secure their first win of the campaign.

We say: Central Cordoba 1-2 Velez Sarsfield

Central Cordoba have stumbled into the new campaign and will head into Monday's clash in search of a pick-me-up. While Gonzalez's men will look to build on Friday's result, they will need to show their mettle against a well-drilled Velez Sarsfield side, who have picked up three wins in their last four matches. That said, we predict a cagey affair at the Estadio Alfredo Terrera, with the visitors coming away with a narrow victory.

Tigre vs. Deportivo Riestra (Monday, 10.45pm)

Looking to secure their first home win of the season, Tigre take on Deportivo Riestra in round eight of the Argentine Primera Division on Monday.

Cristian Fabbiani's men head into the game on a run of three defeats in their three away matches so far and will journey to the Estadio Jose Dellagiovanna aiming to end this dry spell.

We say: Tigre 2-2 Deportivo Riestra

After a slow start to the season, Tigre and Riestra have picked up the pace in recent weeks and will look to keep the juggernaut rolling. However, we predict both sides will cancel each other's efforts in a high-scoring stalemate.

Belgrano vs. Godoy Cruz (Tuesday, 1.00am)

Belgrano will be hoping to quickly bounce back from defeat when they host Godoy Cruz at Estadio Julio Cesar Villagra on Tuesday.

The visitors, on the other hand, travel to Cordoba seeking to build on their first win of the season last time out.

We say: Belgrano 1-0 Godoy Cruz

Belgrano are unbeaten at home since the start of the second phase and they have better firepower than Godoy Cruz, which is why we see the home side picking up a win here in what is likely to be a keenly-contested encounter.

Argentinos Jrs vs. Lanus (Tuesday, 1.00am)

Avoiding a third straight defeat will be the objective for Argentinos Juniors when they welcome Lanus to Estadio Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Tuesday.

Lanus, one the other hand, head to the capital off the back of a thrilling victory which saw them stretch their unbeaten streak to four matches.

We say: Argentinos Juniors 1-1 Lanus

Goals have been at a premium for Argentinos Juniors of late but we expect them to register here en route to a share of the spoils come the sound of the final whistle.