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

The hosts are struggling towards the bottom end of the table, but Saturday's clash a chance to right the wrongs of previous weeks.

Match preview

Having struggled at the beginning of the second phase, Velez Sarsfield have seemingly turned a corner in recent weeks, stopping a rut of two consecutive defeats.

A victory against Rosario was followed up by a draw against Defensa y Justicia last time out, as Velez Sarsfield look to resurrect their campaign.

Still in the Copa Libertadores, Velez Sarsfield will need to rise up the table if they wish to compete in continental competition next season.

With just one win so far, that turnaround will need to come quickly for Velez Sarsfield, otherwise their continental ambitions will fade away.

As for Tucuman, their form is looking up, with the visitors entering the weekend clash 11th in the table.

While they also boast just one win to their name so far, Tucuman have managed to accrue two more points than their hosts.

In addition to that, Tucuman are also unbeaten in the second phase up to now, with a continental berth well and truly in their sights.

A relatively strong head-to-head record against Tucuman will provide Velez Sarsfield with some confidence heading into the clash, as they have lost just one of their last four matches against Saturday's opponents.

Looking to extend that run this weekend, Velez Sarsfield will also be encouraged by the fact they have never lost a match at home against Tucuman.

Velez Sarsfield Argentine Primera Division form:

Velez Sarsfield form (all competitions):

Atletico Tucuman Argentine Primera Division form:

Atletico Tucuman form (all competitions):

Team News

Without any absentees, Velez Sarsfield will be looking to make the most of a full squad this weekend and Lucas Janson is amongst those expected to start.

The 27-year-old top scored for Velez Sarsfield in the previous phase, with the forward likely to be supported by promising wide man Luca Orellano in attack.

By contrast, Tucuman are without a crop of players for Saturday's clash, with Marcelo Ortiz one of the four first team players out.

Ortiz is missing through illness, whereas all three of Carlos Lampe, Ramiro Cristobal and Agustín Lagos are absent with injury.

Velez Sarsfield possible starting lineup:

Hoyos; Guidara, los Santos, Gomez, Ortega; Mulet, Perrone; Orellano, Sonora, Fernandez; Osorio

Atletico Tucuman possible starting lineup:

Marchiori; Sandoval, Bianchi, Capasso, Orihuela; Rius, Acosta, Carrera, Pereyra; Puch, Rodrguez

We say: Velez Sarsfield 2-0 Atletico Tucuman

Tucuman boast the better form heading into this clash, but Velez Sarsfield do possess the quality to resurrect their stuttering start.

Expect the hosts to click into gear and take three points on Saturday evening.

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