Nacional Montevideo - Argentinos Juniors

Copa Libertadores

Nacional Montevideo had a bad start this year, in both competitions, as after failing to win their first two league matches, they also lost 0-2 in Mexico, for Copa Libertadores, in a match that they could have lost even 5-0, so bad was their defense. But they slowly found a bit of rhythm, and are on the end of two consecutive matches without defeat, a solid 0-0 draw in Libertadores at Fluminense, and their first win in the league on the weekend. Happy with their defensive display, coach Cararasco is again trying to put a bit more emphasis on their offense, trying to break their lack of goals. 3 forwards are expect in the formation for tonight, and an attempt to return to Carrasco's famous tiqui-tiqui, where all the balls go forward, as soon as possible. Argentinos Juniors are often one of those rare overish teams in Argentina, and at least 2 goals were scored in 9 of their last 10 matches, 5 of them actually ending with over 2.5, but the lines are always lower when Argentinian teams are involved. Their only 0-0 came against Independiente, in a classy 'snooze-fest', but the ones to blame for that are Independiente, as they play like crap, and don't let their opponents play either. Argentinos already have 5 goals score in 2 matches of Libertadores, and seem in great offensive form, particularly their two strikers, Neill and Salcedo, both scoring twice. And for tonight, coach Troglio prepared a pretty offensive 3-4-3 formation, with Neill, Salcedo and Oberman up front, and I'm confident that both teams will score in this match. The lines are low in my opinion, and we should see a nice and appealing match, with a minimum of 3 goals. GL!

over 2.25 goals @ 1.97, 4/10

Result: 0-1, LOST

Argentinos Juniors - Independiente

Argentina Primera Division, Clausura

Both teams will have Libertadores duties next week, but neither of them will voluntarily rest any of their first team regulars. I say voluntarily, because Argentinos will still have several absences. They are having some serious problems, as two key players will miss this game: defender Escudero (suspended) and midfielder Mercier (injured). But along them, 3 more players will be unavailable: defender Basualdo (suspended), forward Vargas (injured) and midfielder Emilio Hernandez (injured, after burning his testicles with boiled water!!!). Moreover, because he has so many absences, their coach will no longer rest goalkeeper Navarro and forward Oberman, who are carrying minor injuries. Independiente will go for this match with the best they have, won't rest anyone, as they also need to worry about their relegation percentage (they're not in trouble yet, but after their disastrous Apertura, they might have some problems next year). Last performances also favor Independiente, as they drew 2-2 with Velez, after a great first half, leading 2-0 at half time, while Argentinos barely managed a late equalizer away at Huracan. Recent head-to-head is also on El Rojo's favor, losing just one of the last 10 games, and that lost game came with a lot of drama, as Independiente lead 3-1, only to lose with two goals conceded in the last 3 minutes. GL!

Independiente (+0.25 AH) @ 1.91, 4/10

Result: 0-0, HALF WON