Preview: Estudiantes vs. Central Cordoba - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently 22nd in the league table, sitting just above the relegation zone which adds plenty of pressure on all of their performances right now.

Match preview

Estudiantes have been dealing with some inconsistencies in their previous six matches in all competitions, with two victories, draws, and defeats.

Now the focus is on turning that around and ensuring that the second phase is as successful as the first was in the Argentine Primera division to guarantee they continue pushing at the top of the table.

Right now they are seventh in the league, and a victory at the weekend does have the potential of seeing them climb as high as third if other results go their way.

Their most recent outing saw Estudiantes get back to winning ways with a dominant performance against Fortaleza in the second leg of their round of 16 Libertadores fixture.

They managed to win the game 3-0 thanks to a brace from Manuel Castro and then a goal from Franco Zapiola wrapped things up in impressive fashion.

On the other hand, the visitors head into this one after a loss in the league against Argentinos Juniors, which was a closely fought contest throughout.

Jesus Soraire had managed to bring Central Cordoba level in the 67th minute, but they were unable to hang onto that result as a penalty 10 minutes later saw them lose 2-1.

The defensive side of their performances has been the big problem this season as they have already conceded 30 goals throughout this campaign across 20 games.

During that time Central Cordoba have won just five games, and picked up a further seven points via draws, but that has led to them sitting 22nd in the league table.

There is just a single point between them and the relegation zone right now, which is something that is adding serious pressure on every match.

Estudiantes Argentine Primera Division form:

Estudiantes form (all competitions):

Central Cordoba Argentine Primera Division form:

Team News

After managing to keep a clean sheet in their most recent outing it is unlikely that Estudiantes will make any changes to the defensive side of the team, using a back five once again.

Castro will also be expected to start once again after he scored a brace in their Libertadores fixture, while Leonardo Diaz should lead the line for them.

The visitors are dealing with a string of injury problems right now as Juan Cruz Kaprof has a muscular problem while Matias Laba has been dealing with a niggling hip.

On top of that, they are missing Jose Leguizamon due to a knee issue, while Andres Mehring is a more long-term absentee with an ACL injury.

Estudiantes possible starting lineup:

Andujar; Godoy, Rogel, Lollo, Noguera, Mas; Castro, Rodriguez, Zuqui; Diaz, Boselli

Central Cordoba possible starting lineup:

Toselli; Ramirez, Barrionuevo, Pereyra, Sbuttoni, Bay; Sorarie, Kalinski, Montoya; Metilli, Riano

We say: Estudiantes 2-1 Central Cordoba

The form has been mixed for both teams heading into this game has been mixed and inconsistent overall, which is something that will likely lead to this one being close.

However, the poor defensive performances of Central Cordoba throughout this season is something that could cause them problems, and ultimately lead to Estudiantes getting the win.

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