Estudiantes Favoured to See Off Independiente

The opening round of the second stage of the Argentine top flight continues early on Monday, with Independiente away to Estudiantes. Estudiantes come into the match on a winning run and in solid form, while Independiente have been inconsistent lately and have not looked convincing at the back, so the visitors may struggle to come away with a result.

Estudiantes have recently beaten Independiente Medellin and Rosario Central to make it two straight wins in all competitions. They scored four goals across those two matches and kept clean sheets in both, showing a strong balance at both ends of the pitch. Forward Miki Amondarain has been especially worth watching, having scored in each of his last two appearances in all competitions, and his current form should pose a major threat to Independiente's defence. Estudiantes have also been strong at home, losing only one of their last eight home matches in all competitions, with most of those games ending in victory.

On the other side, Independiente's form has been unstable. They have posted two wins and two losses from their last four matches in all competitions, and in two of those games they conceded at least two goals, which does little to inspire confidence. Their away record is also a concern, with just two wins, two draws and four defeats from their last eight away matches in all competitions. More notably, they have conceded in five of their last six matches in all competitions, and they may find it difficult to withstand Estudiantes' pressure. All things considered, Independiente look likely to leave empty-handed.