Preview: Independiente vs. Atletico Tucuman - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, have the opportunity to not only maintain their unbeaten league record, but to also clinch a fifth consecutive victory.

Match preview

Independiente enter the contest in a lowly 24th position after failing to win any of their last five matches.

The last team that they managed to beat was in fact their weekend opponents, with Independiente claiming a 1-0 Copa Argentina win over Atletico Tucuman on June 24.

They were unable to build upon their cup win, losing the following three matches before playing out a goalless draw against Rosario.

Their winless run was prolonged in midweek after goals from Manuel Duarte and Adonis Frias enabled Defensa y Justicia to clinch a 2-0 victory over Independiente.

The result also represented their fifth defeat across the opening five league games, but they will now turn their attention to Saturday's contest where they will be aiming to clinch their third win of the Primera season.

While Independiente have struggled since the previous meeting between the two sides in June, the cup defeat was a minor blip for Atletico Tucuman who are unbeaten in the league this season.

A 1-1 draw against Godoy Cruz was followed by four consecutive victories, including a 1-0 win over Sarmiento Junin in midweek.

The home meeting with Sarmiento Junin looked set to end in a goalless draw, however, Ignacio Maestro Puch became Atletico Tucuman's hero, scoring an 86th-minute winner for his side.

As a result of the 1-0 win, second-placed Atletico Tucuman are level on points with league leaders Argentino Jrs ahead of the weekend's round of fixtures.

Although they lost to Independiente in June, Atletico Tucuman will be confident about clinching a positive result after avoiding defeat in their four away league games this season.

Independiente Argentine Primera Division form:

Independiente form (all competitions):

Atletico Tucuman Argentine Primera Division form:

Atletico Tucuman form (all competitions):

Team News

Independiente are expected to be without the services of Leandro Benegas, who has missed the last three matches due to a thigh injury.

Lucas Gonzalez could be presented with a starting place for Saturday's contest after featuring as a second-half substitute in midweek.

Despite failing to score in Independiente's last six matches, Leandro Fernandez will continue to lead the line for his side.

As for the visitors, Marcelo Ortiz is expected to miss out, with an injury continuing to hamper the defender.

Augusto Lotti could return to the starting lineup after dropping out of the side for the midweek encounter with Sarmiento Junin.

Puch managed to grab the winner in the 1-0 win on Tuesday, and the 18-year-old could be rewarded for his efforts with a place in Saturday's starting lineup.

Independiente possible starting lineup:

Sosa; Vigo, Barreto, Insaurralde, Rodriguez; Marcone, Romero; Pozzo, Gonzalez, Cazares; Fernandez

Atletico Tucuman possible starting lineup:

Lampe; Garay, Capasso, Biachi, Orihuela; Rius, Acosta, Carrera, Pereyra; Lotti, Puch

We say: Independiente 1-2 Atletico Tucuman

Although Independiente emerged victorious in the most recent meeting between the two sides, they have continued to struggle in the league this season, while Atletico Tucuman have flourished, and we think the visitors will maintain their unbeaten league record by clinching a narrow victory on Saturday.

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