Preview: Talleres vs. Central Cordoba - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams sit on four points from four games, with the hosts three places better off than their opponents thanks to a superior goal difference.

Match preview

After a disappointing run in the first phase of the Argentinian top-flight season, Talleres headed into the regular Primera Division campaign hoping to replicate or improve on last season's third-placed finish, and their start was encouraging.

Pedro Caixinha's side began with a home game against Sarmiento, and they took all three points as Federico Girotti and Enzo Diaz got on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win.

They were unable to build a winning run on the back of that opening day, though, as their newt two outings resulted in defeats, firstly losing 1-0 to Independiente before a first-minute Ramiro Sordo goal probed the difference in a 1-0 beating by Newell's Old Boys.

Looking to bounce back to winning ways after back-to-back losses, La T travelled to take on Arsenal Sarandi last Saturday, and, after falling behind on the stroke of half time, they were, at least, able to return home with a point as a Gonzalo Goni own goal levelled the game before the hour mark.

While Caixinha will not be overly pleased with his side's start to the main season, the division remains extremely tight at this stage, and Talleres could find themselves in and around the middle of the table if they are to post a second win of the campaign on Saturday, on the back of a penalty shootout win over Chaco For Ever in their Copa Argentina round-of-32 contest on Thursday.

They take on a Central Cordoba side also searching for a second league win, after finishing second-from-bottom in their first-phase group.

The visitors kicked off the regular campaign with a trip to Barracas Central, and they were able to take a point thanks to Renzo Lopez's 77th-minute equaliser, before facing the tough task of hosting Boca Juniors.

Sergio Rondina's side would triumph against the odds in that game, with Francisco Gonzalez Metilli hitting the only goal soon before the hour mark to seal an unlikely three-point haul and take their tally to four from two games.

That encouraging start was not continued, though, as their third outing resulted in a 2-1 defeat to Banfield, despite Mendillli initially drawing them level in the second half, before El Ferrviario were again beaten last time out.

They hosted San Lorenzo, and, after the game remained goalless for 55 minutes, Ivan Ezequiel Leguizamon eventually put their opponents in the lead, before Adam Bareiro sealed all three points for the visitors by converting a late penalty.

Having now lost two league games on the bounce, Central Cordoba find themselves 21st in the 28-team top flight, but, just like their opponents, they will set their sights on a win to quickly climb through the pack at this early stage.

Talleres Argentine Primera Division form:

Talleres form (all competitions):

Central Cordoba Argentine Primera Division form:

Central Cordoba form (all competitions):

Team News

Talleres should welcome defender Rafael Perez back to action on Saturday, after he served a suspension in the Arsenal Sarandi game for a red card shown in their defeat to Newell's Old Boys.

He will likely play alongside Matias Catalan, with Enzo Diaz and Gaston Benavidez completing the back four.

Federico Girotti will continue to lead the line, having netted five goals in all competitions for Talleres since a February switch from River Plate.

Central Cordoba's attack will be led by Renzo Lopez, who has been a shining light in an underwhelming campaign this far, netting eight goals and providing two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.

Winger Francisco Gonzalez Metilli should also come in with some confidence, after he got on the scoresheet in consecutive matches in the Primera Division against Boca Juniors and Banfield.

Talleres possible starting lineup:

Herrera; Benavidez, Catalan, Perez, Diaz; Godoy, Villagra, Juarez; Esquivel; Santos, Girotti

Central Cordoba possible starting lineup:

Toselli; Ramirez, Pereyra, Di Benedetto, Bay; Metilli, Soraire, Kalinski, Rios; Kaprof, Lopez

We say: Talleres 2-1 Central Cordoba

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