Prediction: Boca Juniors win
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While the domestic football season may be over across Europe, that doesn t mean there isn t a whole lot going on across the rest of the world including South America. Over in Argentina, the Argentine Primera Division is well into its second phase as the competition begins to heat up. Today, we re going to take a look at what should be a really fun clash between Boca Juniors and Banfield.
Boca Juniors
After finishing 2nd behind an impressive Racing Club in the first phase of the campaign, Boca Juniors will be out to live up to the reputation they ve built for themselves. When you think of Argentine football at the club level you think of Boca Juniors, and they ve got the squad needed to go pretty far this season provided they can avoid complacency.
Team News
Izquierdoz and Zambrano are both out through suspension, Gonzalez is out of action with a meniscus problem and Briasco won t be available as a result of an ankle injury.
Banfield
A triumph in the Torneo Apertura back in 2009 served as the pinnacle for this historic club that dates back over 125 years. Their passionate fanbase often carries them through from season to season and while they may not be up there with the big boys all the time, they certainly know how to make some noise in big games which is what they ll be looking to do again here.
Team News
Cuadra is set to miss out for a few more weeks due to an ongoing injury issue with very few changes expected from their last outing.
Factors to Consider
Boca are 4th in the league s second phase whereas Banfield are 7th.
Boca have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
Banfield have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
Boca have scored 10 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
Banfield have scored six goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
We don t expect to see a whole lot of activity from either side here with Banfield likely defending deep, keeping themselves tight, with the intention of hitting Boca in the break if they can help it. They re playing with house money and that should lead to a gritty game, but eventually, the hosts should do enough to get the three points and edge over the finish line with a 1-0 victory.
Prediction: Boca Juniors win
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