Banfield - Tigre

Argentina Primera Division, Apertura

This looks like a really unfair duel, and I'm surprised to see such odds for Banfield, was expecting something like 1.50, or around that price. They are one of the best Argentinian teams in the last years, and have managed to keep a hold on most of their core team. And with this continuity, results came (they won Apertura last year), and should continue coming. Especially since now morale should be sky high, being undefeated in the league, with 2 wins and 2 draws (against two very uncomfortable teams: Lanus and Estudiantes), and also with a huge step taken in Copa Sudamericana, following their 1-0 away win at Velez. For today's line-up, nothing is certain yet, but only a few changes are expected, and some big names are reported as starters, like Carusca, Erviti, Garcia and Ramirez. And Banfield's compact style of play frustrates most of their opponents, and they rarely allow goals against them.

On the other hand, Tigre are facing some some scoring problems, despite having 4 goals scored so far, 3 of them came last round, when they took advantage of an awful (and relegation material) Quilmes. And while trashing an obviously weaker opponent might please the fans, raise morale and give a wrong impression that they are improving, it doesn't change the fact that they are still poor players, that will most likely struggle with relegation in the future. As I already said, playing against Banfield can be really frustrating, and their rock-solid defense will be very hard to break by a Tigre side that lacks creativity. Under 2.5 goals could be another solution here, but it will all depend on Banfield, as they certainly have the power to score a couple against their opponent. I'm going to play it safe, and go only for a simple home win. GL!

Banfield (-0.5 AH) @ 1.72, 5/10

Result: 1-1, LOST