Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker:
Looking to extend on their hometown romp in the early hours of Wednesday, Independiente will welcome Newell’s Old Boys to the Estadio Libertadores de America.
Independiente
Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Gimnasia over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw, Independiente will be seeking an immediate response here. Almost finding themselves sat in Primera Division limbo, Ricardo Zielinski’s men are still trying to find some stability on either side of June’s international break. However, while El Rojo might have only mustered a pair of wins from their previous seven domestic appearances across all competitions a run that stems back to May 13th the Buenos Aires-based outfit should at least be excited by their continued success on home soil. Last seen at the Estadio Libertadores de America picking up a gritty 1-0 victory against Huracan, Independiente are unbeaten in each of their last six straight showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Team News
Both still dealing with extended injury issues, Independiente will be unable to call upon the duo of Thomas Pozzo and Rodrigo Marquez in midweek. However, returning from his own knock since returning from June’s international break, 19-year-old Santiago Salle could be handed a full recall here.
While former San Lorenzo striker Martin Cauteruccio might have notched just a single strike in any of his last five domestic appearances across all competitions, the 36-year-old should spearhead Zielinski’s attack in the early hours of Wednesday.
Newell’s Old Boys
As for the visitors, while Newell’s Old Boys might have opened the 2023 campaign with their sights set on clinching a lucrative top-nine finish, La Lepra are in the midst of a recent wobble. Last seen over the weekend putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Central Cordoba, Gabriel Heinze’s men are without a win from any of their previous five domestic appearances a run that stems back to June 6th. Knowing that they face a real uphill battle in their bid to clinch a Copa Sudamericana ticket this season, the one-time Manchester United defender has seen his squad gain a reputation for their struggles on the road. Including that 2-0 defeat against Central Cordoba a few days ago, Newell’s Old Boys have won just a pair of their last eight showdowns away from the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.
Team News
Dealing with what has become a mounting injury list, Newell’s Old Boys will once again be without the likes of Marco Campagnaro, Willer Ditta, Francisco Gonzalez and Juan Sebastian Sforza here. However, La Lepra are hopeful that Ivan Gomez will be able to play some part in midweek.
While 31-year-old Jorge Recalde might have drawn back-to-back domestic blanks, the former Olimpia Asuncion man will once again lead Heinze’s attack at the Estadio Libertadores de America.
Key Factors to Consider