Thursday's Argentine Primera Division predictions including Union vs. Boca Juniors

Arsenal vs. Defensa (Thursday, 6.00pm)

Arsenal Sarandi are rooted to the foot of the Argentine Primera Division as they prepare to welcome Defensa y Justicia to the Estadio Viaducto on Thursday.

At the opposite end of the table, Defensa find themselves sixth - 19 points clear of Arsenal - having picked up their 10th win of the campaign last time out.

We say: Arsenal Sarandi 1-2 Defensa y Justicia

Although Arsenal Sarandi have picked up several wins on home soil in recent weeks, we expect Defensa y Justicia to get the better of the league's bottom club, although the hosts look set to push the visitors all the way.

Union vs. Boca Juniors (Thursday, 9.00pm)

Seeking to climb into the top eight of the Argentine Primera Division, last season's champions Boca Juniors travel to the Estadio 15 de Abril in Sante Fe to face Union on Thursday.

While the hosts have put together a three-game unbeaten run on home soil, the visitors are hoping to avoid a fifth successive away defeat in the top flight.

We say: Union 0-1 Boca Juniors

A tight affair could be in store on Thursday between two teams who are desperate to climb the table, but we believe that Boca Juniors will put an end to their poor away form and secure a slender victory.

Sarmiento vs. Talleres (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Talleres travel to Junin to face Sarmiento in the Argentine Primera Division on Thursday night still with outside dreams of the title.

There are just five games left of the campaign and the gap to leaders River Plate looks near-unassailable, but some favourable fixtures will leave the Talleres faithful still hopeful.

We say: Sarmiento 0-1 Talleres

Sarmiento have a fine home record and have been stout defensively for much of the campaign, but they will face a huge test against the side currently second in the table.

Talleres should take plenty of confidence into this tie too, considering they are unbeaten in the last six meetings against their opponents.

Argentinos Jrs vs. Instituto (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Two sides separated by seven points and nine places in the Argentine Primera Division will do battle on Thursday, as Argentinos play host to Instituto.

The hosts currently occupy 10th spot following a defeat last time out, after stringing three straight wins together, while their visitors climbed to 20th place with an important victory on Sunday.

We say: Argentinos Juniors 2-1 Instituto

While the visitors prevailed last time out and their hosts suffered a setback in their improvement, Argentinos Juniors have enjoyed the far stronger season for a reason and should have enough quality to see off Instituto with home advantage.

Belgrano vs. Barracas Central (Friday, 1.30am)

Belgrano play host to Barracas Central on Thursday evening looking to strengthen their hold of a top-eight place in the Argentine Primera Division.

Meanwhile, Barracas Central make the trip to El Gigante de Alberdi looking for the win which will keep them looking at the teams above them rather than worrying about becoming embroiled in any kind of a relegation scrap.

We say: Belgrano 2-1 Barracas Central

With both teams on a run of inconsistency, this is a difficult match to predict. However, despite the visitors having returned to winning ways last time out, we are going to give the edge to Belgrano, who could prevail by a late goal.