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

Tigre vs. Velez Sarsfield (Thursday, 9.00pm)

Juan Manuel Sara will look to begin his tenure as Tigre boss with a win when his side plays host to Velez Sarsfield on Thursday.

While the hosts are without a win in seven league games, Velez Sarsfield have failed to record a victory in 12 top-flight matches.

We say: Tigre 1-0 Velez Sarsfield

Both sides are bereft of confidence following their respective winless runs in the Primera Division, but with a new coach at the helm, we think Tigre could be rejuvenated, and as a result, we believe they will go on to claim a narrow victory.

Racing vs. Barracas Central (Thursday, 10.00pm)

Fernando Gago's Racing Club seeks a victory when they take on Barracas Central in Thursday's Argentine Primera Division encounter at Estadio Juan Domingo Peron.

The hosts inflicted a third consecutive defeat to Velez Sarsfield last Saturday, while Barracas secured a creditable draw against Rosario Central.

We say: Racing Club 1-1 Barracas Central

Gago's troops may have to make do with a point at Estadio Juan Domingo Peron, as both Racing and Barracas' recent positive results have been against lowly opponents — Velez Sarsfield and Banfield.

River Plate vs. Instituto (Thursday, 11.45pm)

Table-topping River Plate plays host to an Instituto side 20 places below them in the Argentine Primera Division table at Estadio Monumental on Thursday.

The home side are guaranteed to hold on to their position regardless of the outcome, while the visiting side could fall in the table if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.

We say: River Plate 2-0 Instituto

River's last three games at El Monumental have ended in one-goal victories, and while Demichelis' men may not be blowing teams away, they should secure a routine win over Instituto.

Godoy Cruz vs. Boca Juniors (Friday, 1.45am)

Godoy Cruz and Boca Juniors are separated by a solitary point in the Argentine Primera Division ahead of their clash at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on Thursday.

The hosts suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Tucuman last time out, while the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw by Lanus, despite dominating proceedings at La Bombonera.

We say: Godoy Cruz 2-1 Boca Juniors

Having avoided defeat in each of their last seven home games - picking up four wins and three draws along the way - Godoy Cruz look set to notch another home victory at the expense of Boca Juniors, who have lost five of their nine away league outings this year.