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

El Fortin, who have lost their most recent two outings, will head into the game seeking to avoid a third defeat on the bounce for the first time since November 2017

Match preview

Velez Sarsfield were denied their first win of the season on Friday when they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Racing Club at the Estadio Presidente Peron.

Paraguayan international Matias Rojas gave the hosts lead on the half-hour mark before substitute Fabricio Dominguez put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute.

Prior to that, Alexander Medina's men saw their seven-game unbeaten run come to an end on June 12 when they suffered a slender 1-0 defeat at the hands of Platense.

Velez, who secured their place in the round of 16 of the Copa Argentina courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia on June 9, now return home where they have won three of their last four outings.

El Fortin have picked up just one point from their opening three games to sit bottom but one in the standings, only above Aldosvi who are yet to pick up a point so far.

Elsewhere, Rosario Central got their campaign up and running last time out when they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Godoy Cruz.

Following an uneventful first half at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 84th minute and goalkeeper Gaspar Servio made no mistake as he converted with aplomb.

Prior to that, the Canalla were held to a goalless draw by Lanus in their season opener on June 6 before falling to a 2-0 loss at Huracan five days later.

While they will look to pick up successive league wins for the first time since November, they have struggled for results on the road, where they are currently on a five-game losing streak.

Velez Sarsfield Argentine Primera Division form:

Velez Sarsfield form (all competitions):

Rosario Central Argentine Primera Division form:

Rosario Central form (all competitions):

Team News

Velez Sarsfield will take to the pitch without the services of 28-year-old Lautaro Gianetti, who has been sidelined since April through a cruciate ligament injury.

Uruguayan defender Matias de los Santos could be thrown into the fray once again after missing the visit to Racing Club last time out through suspension.

Off the back of a resilient display against Godoy Cruz, Somoza could name a similar starting side on Monday, meaning we could see a front three of Luciano Ferreyra, Lucas Gamba and Alejo Veliz.

At the opposite end of the pitch, Facundo Almada and Juan Komar should form a centre-back pairing, while veteran midfielder Claudio Yacob should retain his role at the centre of the park.

On the injury front, Rosario Central remain without the duo of Luca Martinez and Francesco Lo Celso, who continue their spells on the sidelines.

Velez Sarsfield possible starting lineup:

Hoyos; Guidara, Fernandez, Gomez, Ortega; Perrone, Garayalde; Sonora, Osorio, Janson; Bouzat

Rosario Central possible starting lineup:

Servio; Martinez, Almada, Komar, Blanco; Benitez, Yacob, Montoya; Ferreyra, Gamba, Veliz

We say: Velez Sarsfield 0-1 Rosario Central

Velez have stumbled into the new season, picking up one point from the first nine to already sit in the lower echelons of the table. Rosario Central dug deep to secure all three points last time out and we predict they will build on that result and come out victorious on Monday.

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