Sarmiento Look Well Placed on the Handicap at Home
Sarmiento are tipped to hold the edge on the handicap at home in what is expected to be a tight, low-scoring game against Argentinos Juniors. The visitors have lost key players and carry several injury concerns into the match.
By 7MTHScore StaffTeam news: Sarmiento strengthened in the winter transfer window by signing midfielder Julian Mavina from Belgrano and midfielder Elian Gimenez from River Plate.
Argentinos Juniors, now coached by Diaz, did not bring in any new players during pre-season. However, several key players have left, with Leandro Lozano joining Boca Juniors, while Roman Riquelme and Fattori both moved to Talleres.
Sarmiento have no suspensions, no major doubts and no confirmed absentees.
For Argentinos Juniors, Alan Lescano (foot), Tomas Molina (groin), Nicolas Oroz (knee), Veron (hamstring) and Emiliano Viveros (hamstring) are all doubts, with no confirmed suspensions.
The main pick is home win in the handicap market. Sarmiento were beaten 2-0 at home by Boca Juniors in the Argentine Cup last time out, a match in which their defence looked vulnerable under pressure. They now need to respond quickly to avoid dropping points at home in their opening game of the next phase.
Argentinos Juniors have been weakened by the departure of three important players before the season, and a lengthy injury list could further affect their setup and overall performance in this match.
Sarmiento may lack cutting edge up front, but their defence is still reasonably solid. With Argentinos Juniors having to reshape the squad because of departures and injuries to several key players, this looks set to be a closely fought, low-scoring contest. A draw has strong appeal, but Sarmiento with a handicap at home looks the more attractive option.
Head-to-head: In the most recent league meeting, Argentinos Juniors won 1-0. In the previous four league clashes before that, Sarmiento recorded two wins and two draws.