Thursday's Argentine Primera Division predictions including Colon vs. River Plate

Gimnasia vs. Argentinos Jrs (Thursday, 8.00pm)

Aiming to break into the top four of the Argentine Primera Division second-phase table, Argentinos Juniors will travel to take on Gimnasia in the ninth round of group fixtures on Thursday.

With six games to play, the visitors sit just a point outside of the quarter-final qualification places, while their hosts are four points worse off in 13th spot in the group.

We say: Gimnasia 1-1 Argentinos Juniors

Gimnasia have at least gone three games unbeaten after their tough start, but it is wins they require if they are to stand a chance of moving into the top four, and they meet a tough and resilient Argentinos Juniors side on Thursday.

We anticipate both sides extending runs of draws and sharing the spoils in the ninth round of games, leaving both outside of the quarter-final places with five matches to go.

Godoy Cruz vs. San Lorenzo (Thursday, 9.00pm)

Godoy Cruz can vault into a spot at the Copa Libertadores next season when they host San Lorenzo on Thursday at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.

On matchday eight of the second phase in the Argentine Primera Division campaign, Tomba hung onto a 1-0 victory at Estudiantes, putting them two points behind San Lorenzo for fourth in the overall table, with the latter losing their previous league contest 3-0 versus Newell's Old Boys.

We say: Godoy Cruz 0-0 San Lorenzo

Both sides have been a lot better defensively in this phase when compared to their form in the attacking third, while neither have had a real difference-maker that can change the complexion of a match.

Colon vs. River Plate (Thursday, 10.30pm)

River Plate will aim to maintain their place at the top of the Argentine Primera Division Group A table when they make the trip to face Colon on Thursday.

The hosts sit just three points behind their opponents in the table, but are without a win in their previous two league fixtures.

We say: Colon 1-2 River Plate

Colon might be undefeated at home so far in the second phase, but that is a run that will face its biggest test yet against the league leaders.

The visitors dominated the first phase of the competition by finishing in the top spot, and it is likely River Plate will take another three points here.

Rosario vs. Velez Sarsfield (Friday, 12.45am)

Gameweek nine in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division will see Rosario Central taking on Velez Sarsfield at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on Friday.

The hosts are currently in 10th place in the league standings with 11 points after eight matches, while the visitors are in fifth place with 13 points, three behind league leaders River Plate.

We say: Rosario Central 1-0 Velez Sarsfield

While Rosario Central's overall record this season has been average at best, they are a different side at home and will fancy their chances of claiming another scalp here. We are expecting a tight contest but feel that the hosts will claim the points, albeit by a slender margin.

Sarmiento vs. Racing (Friday, 1.00am)

Aiming to put an end to a worrying winless run, Sarmiento will host Racing Club at Estadio Eva Peron de Junin in the Argentine Primera Division on Thursday night.

The hosts are still in with a chance of achieving a top-four finish in Group B despite a below-par start to their campaign, while Racing Club are within striking distance of the league leaders.

We say: Sarmiento 1-1 Racing Club

Despite their struggles, Sarmiento are never blown away in matches and will be confident of providing a stern test for Racing Club on Thursday night in front of their home faithful.

Racing Club suffered two shock home losses most recently but should be good enough to stop the rot and earn a hard-fought point on the road in this one.