Preview: Estudiantes vs. Newell's Old Boys - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts suffered their first loss of this section of the campaign in their most recent outing, which they will be looking to put right against the current league leaders.

Match preview

Estudiantes were enjoying an undefeated start to the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division league campaign until Tuesday when they were handed their first loss of the campaign.

They were beaten 2-1 by Club Atletico Independiente, with two goals in the space of six minutes proving to be a hammer blow for them, despite a late finish from Leonardo Godoy.

Los Pincharratas find themselves three points off top in the second phase at the moment, while they are trailing by four in the overall league table.

The club is very much in the hunt for silverware at the moment, which a victory would go a long way in helping, particularly because their opponents could draw level with them if they were to pick a win on Saturday.

No team has scored more goals than Estudiantes this season though, which is something that should provide plenty of confidence for them to get back on track this weekend.

Newell's Old Boys will have just as much belief though, as they are heading into this match on a six-game undefeated run in all competitions, which has seen the club begin to thrive.

They also come into this one after three consecutive clean sheets, with Ramiro Macagno showcasing his qualities in goal during that period, something he will need to repeat against their high-scoring opponents.

Willer Ditta stepped up from the back to score early on in Newell's most recent outing as a surprise goalscorer, in what turned out to be a decisive one as they won 1-0 against Argentinos Juniors.

The club is fifth-placed overall in the Argentine Primera Division, and their undefeated start to the second phase has played a big part in helping to push them up.

Javier Sanguinetti's team have actually conceded nine fewer goals than their opponents this weekend but a lack of them at the other end of the field means they will need to make up their differences via points, rather than goal difference.

Estudiantes Argentine Primera Division form:

Estudiantes form (all competitions):

Newell's Old Boys Argentine Primera Division form:

Newell's Old Boys form (all competitions):

Team News

Godoy will likely retain his place in the Estudiantes starting lineup after finding the back of the net in their previous game, showcasing his attacking threat after notching an assist the week before.

Fabian Noguera was able to keep his spot in the team in that match, but due to them suffering a defeat there is a chance that Luciano Lollo will make his way back into the squad, but they will be without Leandro Diaz who is suspended.

The visitors will also be missing a key member of their squad in the form of Pablo Perez, who has been out of action lately due to a muscle strain.

Ramiro Sordo has been an attacking threat for Newell's Old Boys as of late, scoring two in his previous three outings, and he will likely be looking to provide help to Juan Garcia upfront.

Estudiantes possible starting lineup:

Andujar; Godoy, Lollo, Rogel, Mas; Castro, Zuqui, Rodriguez, Pellegrini; Boselli, Orosco

Newell's Old Boys possible starting lineup:

Macagno; Mendez, Ditta, Velazquez, Mansilla, Vangioni; Sforza, Fernandez, Gonzalez, Sordo; Garcia

We say: Estudiantes 1-1 Newell's Old Boys

These are two teams that have a chance to earn some silverware this season, which will no doubt provide a big motivation heading into this fixture.

It brings together a high-scoring outfit against a great defensive one, and because of that they could end up leaving with a share of the points.

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