Belgrano backed to strike first against Rosario Central

Team news: Belgrano are coached by Zielinski and did not bring in any new signings before the start of the second phase of the competition.

Rosario Central added defender Salazar and forward Bataroni during pre-season, and also signed goalkeeper Axel Werner from Aldosivi.

Belgrano suspensions: none. Doubts: none. Injured/absent: none.

Rosario Central suspensions: none. Doubts: none. Injured/absent: Kevin Gutierrez (knee surgery).

Main pick: Home win.

Belgrano worked intensively on fitness during pre-season and head into the opener in good condition. The defending champions have looked solid, especially at home where they remain highly efficient at controlling the tempo.

Rosario Central showed problems in both attacking and defensive transitions during pre-season friendlies, which has worried head coach Jorge Almiron. Several key players also missed parts of pre-season training, affecting the team’s cohesion.

Belgrano look stable at the back and are particularly strong on home soil. Rosario Central are in the middle of a tactical transition, with several concerns in defence, and they are also without a key central midfielder for the long term. Belgrano appear stronger overall, and against an unstable Rosario Central back line, the home win gets the nod.

Head-to-head: In the most recent meeting between the sides, Belgrano won 2-1 away from home.