Preview: San Lorenzo vs. Boca Juniors - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors will be aiming to bounce back from being knocked out of the Libertadores via a penalty shootout, while the hosts have failed to win in their previous two fixtures.

Match preview

San Lorenzo currently finds themselves 20th in the Argentine Primera Division, with the club hovering just above the relegation zone by two points.

That adds major pressure onto each game as a defeat at the weekend has the potential of seeing them fall into that situation, which they are keen to avoid.

At the same time, a victory could see them climb to 15th, which would not only strengthen their position in the table, but it would help provide some distance between the bottom four.

After a draw against Tigre, San Lorenzo were then defeated by Barracas Central, despite an equaliser from Adam Bareiro, but the squad only held onto that for two minutes when they conceded again.

With just four victories throughout the entire season, there is a need for the club to step up in the second phase of the competition.

The visitors are enjoying a much stronger season overall, with Boca Juniors currently second in the Argentine Primera Division, but even with that, they have struggled in recent times.

The club heads into this game on the back of four consecutive games without a win in all competitions, which is something they will be looking to improve upon.

There is only a one-point gap between them and the league leaders, so a return to form could also see them climb into pole position depending on other results this weekend.

Boca Juniors were held to a goalless draw in their most recent game against Corinthians in the Libertadores, which led to a penalty shootout that they lost.

While that was an unfortunate result for them, it did create a concern for Sebastian Battaglia, as this was the third game in a row where his team have failed to score a goal.

San Lorenzo Argentine Primera Division form:

Boca Juniors Argentine Primera Division form:

Boca Juniors form (all competitions):

Team News

Bareiro has been a constant goal threat throughout this season for San Lorenzo, and that is something that continued during their most recent performance, which should see him retain his place in the team.

The hosts have been using a 3-4-2-1 formation as of late, providing help offensively, while the midfield has also given strength defensively as well which has helped the squad.

For the visitors, they will be able to welcome back Carlos Zambrano and Carlos Izquierdoz as their recent suspensions are now up, which adds to the strength of the squad.

Boca Juniors do have several injuries to deal with though as Nicolas Figal is still unavailable due to a knee issue while Norberto Briasco is a question mark due to an ankle injury.

San Lorenzo possible starting lineup:

Batalla; James, Melli, Gattoni; Fernandez, Rosane, Elias, Giay; Barrios, Leguizamon; Bareiro

Boca Juniors possible starting lineup:

Rossi; Advincula, Izquierdoz, Rojo, Fabra; Fernandez, Varela, Romero; Zeballos, Villa, Benedotto

We say: San Lorenzo 1-2 Boca Juniors

Boca Juniors have not been in the greatest form as of late in all competitions, but this could be the perfect fixture in order for them to get back in form.

San Lorenzo will be sure to provide a stern test, particularly due to the fact they are playing at home, but ultimately the visitors should be able to take three points here.

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