Preview: Gimnasia vs. Defensa y Justicia - prediction, team news, lineups

Only one side in the division have taken more points than Gimnasia so far this season, whereas Defensa y Justicia are struggling for form at the bottom of the division.

Match preview

Catching the Argentine Primera Division somewhat by surprise, Gimnasia have dominated the second phase of the league season so far and remain unbeaten after five matchdays.

Granted, their fixtures have not thrown up the trickiest of tests, but three wins and two draws from five fixtures represents an impressive points return.

Back-to-back wins from their recent matches against Racing Club and Rosario have caused the Primera Division to take notice of the work Gimnasia are doing, with the club from La Plata showing no sign of letting up.

In sharp contrast, Defensa y Justicia are operating at the opposite end of the table, having picked up four point from their five fixtures.

Of those five matches, Defensa y Justicia are yet to win one, with all four of their points coming from draws.

Worrisome maybe, Defensa y Justicia will take confidence from the fact they have only suffered one defeat in the second phase of the season.

Despite their differences in form, Defensa y Justicia do hold the upper-hand as far as head-to-head records are concerned.

Three victories from their last four meetings with Gimnasia is complemented by the fact Defensa y Justicia last lost against the La Plata outfit in May 2019.

Gimnasia Argentine Primera Division form:

Gimnasia form (all competitions):

Defensa y Justicia Argentine Primera Division form:

Defensa y Justicia form (all competitions):

Team News

While they may be enjoying their football of late, Gimnasia are without two of their first team players, with the most severe being Cristian Tarragona, who is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Tarragona is suffering with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which is the same problem Leandro Contin is currently recovering from, but the latter is set to return before the end of July.

Unlike their opponents, Defensa y Justicia do not have any injury concerns to report, meaning a full-strength squad is expected to feature.

Nicolas Fernandez netted last time out for Defensa y Justicia, with the forward expected to start ahead of either Agustin Fontana or Lucas Albertengo.

Gimnasia possible starting lineup:

Rey; Enrique, Morales, Piris, Melluso; Chavez, Cardozo, Aleman, Acosta; Ramirez, Soldano

Defensa y Justicia possible starting lineup:

Unsain; Colombo, Rodriguez, Cardona, Sota; Cuello, Tripichio, Gutierrez, Pizzini; Albertengo, Fontana

We say: Gimnasia 2-0 Defensa y Justicia

Gimnasia are making a statement with their football of late and their weekend clash against Defensa y Justicia looks like being no different.

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