The Argentine Primera Division clash between Independiente and Banfield promises an intense battle as both teams strive to improve their standings.
Independiente, still seeking their first victory of the season, will host Banfield at the Estadio Libertadores de America on Thursday.
With only three points from four games, the hosts are eager to turn their season around, while Banfield, who secured their first win last time out, look to build momentum.
Current Form
Independiente
Independiente’s campaign has been less than ideal. They missed the quarter-finals of the Copa de la Liga Profesional, finishing sixth in Zone A with 23 points.
Their league form hasn’t fared much better. A 3-1 defeat to Talleres, a goalless draw with Platense, and consecutive draws against Velez Sarsfield and Defensa y Justicia have left them in 22nd place after four games.
Banfield
Banfield, similarly, did not qualify for the Copa de la Liga Profesional quarter-finals, ending eighth in Zone A.
Their start in the Primera Division included a draw against Huracan and defeats by Union and Gimnasia. However, a crucial victory against Newell’s Old Boys, courtesy of Milton Gimenez’s late brace, has given them a boost.
This win moved Banfield above Independiente in the league table.
Team News
Independiente
Independiente will be without key defender Mauricio Isla, who is on international duty with Chile.
Midfielders Ivan Marcano and Lucas Gonzalez, and attacker Matias Gimenez are sidelined with injuries.
Gabriel Avalos, the team’s top scorer with two goals, will likely lead the attack alongside Santiago Lopez.
In midfield, Federico Mancuello and David Martinez are expected to continue their partnership.
Banfield
Banfield could field the same starting XI from their win over Newell’s Old Boys.
They will be missing Alexis Maldonado, Alejandro Cabrera, Geronimo Rivera, Ezequiel Bonifacio, and Jesus Soraire due to injuries. Milton Gimenez, now with 10 goals for the season, will spearhead the attack with Bruno…
Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/news/independiente-vs-banfield-prediction/5034
Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Jake Skudder)
Publish date : 2024-06-12 08:43:38
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