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

The hosts could leapfrog the visitors in the table with a victory, which could see them move up to fifth in the table, depending on results elsewhere.

Match preview

Rosario Central are set to commence proceedings seventh in the Argentine Primera Division table, having acquired 35 points from 22 games, which leaves them two points behind Wednesday's opponents.

As things stand, Rosario are in a strong position to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana group stage, however they could still make a late push for the Copa Libertadores qualification places, if they have a good end to the season.

Canalla have been prolific in front of goal so far this season, netting 30 goals, the fourth-highest amount in the division, but they have been a little suspect defensively at times, having conceded the most goals of any side in the top 11.

Miguel Angel Russo may be a little concerned about his side's form heading into the latter stages of the campaign, given that they have collected just five points from their last five games, and they put in another disappointing performance last time out.

Although they faced tough opposition in San Lorenzo, Rosario will be disappointed with their performance, as they really should have created more chances, losing 1-0 at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain courtesy of a second-half Malcom Braida goal.

Much like their opponents, Estudiantes have also started to struggle in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five games in all competitions, with that solitary victory coming in routine fashion, winning 4-0 against Oriente Petrolero in the Copa Sudamericana.

The Rat Stabbers have not been quite as impressive in the Argentine Primera Division as of late, collecting just two points from their last three games, most recently being held to a 1-1 draw at home against a struggling Central Cordoba side.

Despite their recent dip in form, Eduardo Dominguez's side are still faring well in the league, sitting just four points off the top three, having collected 37 points from their 22 games up to this point.

In fact, over the past 15 games, only River Plate have amassed more points in the Argentine Primera Division, which should give Estudiantes confidence heading into Wednesday's game.

Rosario Central Argentine Primera Division form:

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Estudiantes Argentine Primera Division form:

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Estudiantes form (all competitions):

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Team News

Rosario will be without Walter Montoya, with the central midfielder still missing due to an injury which has caused him to miss the last seven games, meaning Francis Mac Allister and Alan Rodriguez should get the nod in the engine room.

There are no other notable absentees for Canalla, with Alejo Veliz set to continue at striker, having scored two goals in his past four games, being supported by Jaminton Campaz and Ignacio Malcorra, in a 3-4-2-1 system.

Estudiantes will have to continue to make do without long-term absentee Pablo Piatti, so Matias Godoy is expected to start on the left wing, with Benjamin Rollheiser on the opposite side, playing provider for 38-year-old forward Mauro Boselli.

Defensive midfielder Gonzalo Pineiro is also unavailable, with Fernando Zuqui, Jorge Rodriguez and Santiago Ascacibar set to make up the three-man midfield.

Rosario Central possible starting lineup:

Broun; Komar, Blanco, Aguero; Martinez, Mac Allister, Rodriguez, Ortiz; Malcorra, Campaz, Veliz

Estudiantes possible starting lineup:

Andujar; Mancuso, Nunez, Romero, Benedetti; Zuqui, Rodriguez, Ascacibar; Rollheiser, Godoy, Boselli

We say: Rosario Central 2-2 Estudiantes

Both teams have not been at their best in recent weeks, and they are only separated by two points in the league table, so the most likely result is draw.

Given that Rosario have struggled defensively so far this season, keeping just one clean sheet in their last seven games, it would not be a surprise if it is a high-scoring game.

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