Deportivo Riestra vs. River Plate (Thursday, 7.00pm)
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River Plate can maintain their slender lead atop the overall table in the Argentine Primera Division with a victory on Thursday versus Deportivo Riestra at Estadio Guillermo Laza.
At the beginning of the month, Blanquinegro conceded a late goal to Racing Club, losing 1-0, while a pair of second-half strikes powered La Banda to a 3-1 win over Tigre.
We say: Deportivo Riestra 0-2 River Plate
Deportivo do not match up well with River Plate, who are full of confidence and getting contributions from various sources, which should keep them atop the league standings for another week.
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Tigre vs. Belgrano (Thursday, 11.00pm)
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Seeking just their second victory in the 2024 Argentine Primera Division campaign, Tigre play host to Belgrano on Thursday at Estadio Jose Dellagiovanna.
A 3-1 defeat to River Plate has Azules del Norte five points below the relegation line, while the club from Cordoba held on for a 1-0 win over Argentinos Juniors.
We say: Tigre 0-1 Belgrano
Tigre have continuously found ways to lose, and that can be psychologically damaging to a side in dire need of something good but without the resources to produce much.
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Sarmiento vs. Estudiantes (Thursday, 11.00pm)
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Estudiantes can keep pace with the other title contenders in the Argentine Primera Division when they head to Estadio Eva Peron on Thursday to face Sarmiento.
Verdolaga won their first match of the second phase the last time out, 1-0, over San Lorenzo, while Estudiantes are fourth in the overall table following a 1-1 draw with Godoy Cruz.
We say: Sarmiento 1-1 Estudiantes
Sarmiento should have some momentum heading into this contest, but Estudiantes have reacted well when going behind recently, which is why we expect these teams to share the spoils.
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Lanus vs. Racing (Friday, 1.15am)
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Gameweek five in the Argentina Primera Division second phase pits Lanus against table-topping Racing Club at Estadio Ciudad de Lanus on Thursday night.
The home side face a daunting prospect to end the first-placed side's undefeated start in Buenos Aires.
We say: Lanus 0-2 Racing Club
Making a case for Lanus against Racing in Buenos Aires is hard for two reasons: the hosts have not only secured inferior results in the league this term but have suffered five consecutive losses against their opponents before this week's meeting.
While that losing streak will end eventually, it is not expected to be in this season's encounter.
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Newell's OB vs. Instituto (Friday, 1.15am)
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Newell's Old Boys can maintain their 100% home record in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division season when they host Instituto on Thursday at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.
In their previous domestic affair, Newell's lost 2-0 at Banfield, while the Cordoba club came away with a 2-1 victory over Gimnasia.
We say: Newell's Old Boys 2-0 Instituto
Newell's seem to play with a lot more poise and control on their home field, and we believe that will propel them to a comfortable triumph this week.
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Ben Knapton
