Preview: Godoy Cruz vs. Independiente - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently sitting in 11th place, two points outside the playoffs, while the visitors are in 23rd, after a disappointing start to the campaign.

Match preview

Godoy Cruz have been very solid at home so far this season, undefeated in their last six games in front of their own fans, but they were disappointing on their travels last time out, losing 2-0 away at Newell's Old Boys.

Creating chances was not an issue for El Tomba, recording more shots on target than their opponents, but they failed to convert their opportunities, which has been a real problem for them at times.

Daniel Oldra's side have failed to score in three out of their last four games, and it is evident they will need to improve their attacking output if they are to make a push for the all-important top nine.

As things stand, Godoy Cruz are only two points behind ninth-placed Boca Juniors, so qualification for the Copa Sudamericana is still well within reach, while a push for the Copa Libertadores is not completely out of the question.

If El Tomba are to compete at the top end of the table, however, they will need to stop drawing so many games, with five of their last nine games finishing all-square.

After finishing 14th last season, it is fair to say Independiente have been disappointing this term, picking up just 18 points from 18 games, which leaves them only three points above bottom-of-the-table Union.

The Red Devils got off to a very poor start to the season, winning just one of their first 13 league games, but they have started to pick up recently, particularly on home soil.

In their last three matches on their own turf, Ricardo Zielinski's side have collected seven points, which is a real improvement, however they will probably be disappointed that they didn't take all nine that were available.

Last time out, Independiente appeared to be heading towards a 1-0 win against Lanus, with their opponents reduced to 10 men early in the second half, but Jose Sand struck a late equaliser for the visitors from the penalty spot.

Despite not being able to hold on for the three points, Zielinski will be pleased his side finally appear to have clicked, and the task now is to win away from home for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Godoy Cruz Argentine Primera Division form:

W

D

D

D

W

L

Independiente Argentine Primera Division form:

L

W

D

W

L

D

Team News

Godoy Cruz are set to be without striker Enzo Larrosa, as the 22-year-old was sent off just three minutes after being brought on as a substitute last time out, meaning Salomon Rodriguez should continue to lead the line.

Oldra does not have any fresh injury issues to deal with, but defender Gianluca Ferrari remains unavailable, having been injured since February, while Silvio Ulariaga has been sidelined since April, and the forward will also miss out.

Independiente have a number of players missing with injury, including Ivan Marcone, Sergio Barreto and Agustin Mulet, all of whom have missed the last two matches.

Given his side's recent uptick in form, Zielinski is likely to stick with the vast majority of the team that has played in recent weeks, with Martin Cauteruccio a sure-fire starter in attack, having scored five goals in his last five games.

The 36-year-old is likely to be accompanied by Matias Gimenez, in what should be a 4-4-2 system, with Javier Vallejo and Braian Martinez supporting from the wings.

Godoy Cruz possible starting lineup:

Rodriguez; Arce, Barrios, Rasmussen, Meli; Sosa, Abrego, Allende, Lopez, Fernandez; Rodriguez

Independiente possible starting lineup:

Rey; Gomez, Laso, Baez, Costa; Vallejo, Ortiz, Sarrafiore, Martinez; Gimenez, Cauteruccio

We say: Godoy Cruz 1-1 Independiente

Both sides have already drawn their fair share of games so far this season, and it would not be a surprise if they cancel each other out on Saturday.

Godoy Cruz have a very good recent home record, so if either team is to emerge with the three points, it is likely to be them, but Independiente have shown real signs of improvement, and should be good enough to get a point.

Previews by email