Gameweek three in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division campaign will see Independiente taking on Velez Sarsfield at Estadio Libertadores de America on Monday.
The hosts have earned just one point and are down in 24th place after the first two matchdays, while the visitors are currently on three points and in 13th place.
Match preview
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After ending the first phase of the season unbeaten in their last three games, Independiente have struggled to get going in the second round and are still in search of their first victory.
It has been a difficult time for the club off the pitch as well, as they continue to grapple with financial issues and are now heading into gameweek three without a recognised first-team manager in the dugout.
Carlos Tevez, who took up the managerial role last August, announced that he was stepping down just hours before their 0-0 draw with Platense, and the side will now be overseen by youth coordinator Hugo Tocall until a suitable replacement can be found.
While the former Manchester United player maintained an above-average record during his tenure, including 14 victories, 11 draws and 6 defeats in 31 matches, the side's performances have tailed off in recent weeks, leaving the interim boss with much to do while at the helm.
Independiente are now looking to bring an end to a four-match winless streak at home, including three draws and a loss, and have only won two matches at Estadio Libertadores de America to date, beating Rosario Central and Argentinos Juniors in February and March respectively.
Meanwhile, Velez Sarsfield ended the first phase with a solid record but faced a setback early in the second round, losing their first game 3-1 away to Gimnasia.
However, they bounced back well in gameweek two, putting up a resilient performance to defend a one-goal advantage against Newell's Old Boys for 70 minutes and secured their first win of the round.
That performance underlined El Fortin's major strength this season, which has been their defensive solidity. They conceded just 13 goals in 14 games in the first phase, which was the third-fewest of any side in the division over that period.
Excluding playoff games, Gustavo Quinteros's side have won three of their last five away games (W3 D1 L1) but were beaten 2-1 by this opponent on their previous visit to this venue last season.
In addition, the visitors have not beaten Independiente in their last six attempts, losing twice and drawing four times. The last time they overcame this opponent was in March 2021.
Team News
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The hosts will be without four first-team players for this match due to injury, including Matias Gimenez (cruciate ligament tear), Ivan Marcone (metatarsal fracture) and Santiago Toloza (ankle).
Additionally, Diego Segovia has been ruled out of action for the foreseeable future due to a torn muscle, which should see Rodrigo Rey continue to deputise between the sticks in his absence.
Velez Sarsfield will have to make do without the services of forward Ricardo Centurion and midfielder Yeison Gordillo, both of whom are ruled out due to knee injuries.
Braian Romero opened his account in the second phase by scoring the winner against Newell's Old Boys last week and will continue to lead the line alongside Thiago Fernandez and Francisco Pizzini.
Independiente possible starting lineup:
Rey; Isla, Fedorco, Laso, Perez; Martinez, Gonzalez; Tarzia, Mancuello, Luna; Puch
Velez Sarsfield possible starting lineup:
Marchiori; Garcia, Fernandez, V. Gomez, E. Gomez; Ordonez, Bouzat, Aquino; Pizzini, Romero, Fernandez
We say: Independiente 0-1 Velez Sarsfield
While Independiente have been the dominant side in this fixture in recent seasons, they head into this match in poor form and without a recognised manager on the sidelines. Velez Sarsfield ground out a very good result against Newell's Old Boys last week, and we feel they will do the same in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Devesh Jaganath
