San Lorenzo - Gimnasia la Plata

Argentina Primera Division, Clausura

New season = new hopes for San Lorenzo, as is always the case with them. They made some nice transfers, and are hoping to be contenders in this Clausura, also helped by a milder schedule compared to their rivals, as they don't have any International duties. But they need a strong start for this, if they want to keep up with the giants, and build their confidence and morale. Also, a lot is expected from the new signings, as they all have a good history that sells them as possible saviors of the team. Pablo Velazquez (ex-Libertad) and Salgueiro (ex-LDU and Estudiantes) will be in charge of the team's offense, at least for this match, and with both of them being experienced strikers, already confirming their status in their previous clubs, San Lorenzo might have found a way to escape from their goal-scoring drought. Gimnasia also made a few signings, in their quest to avoid at least a direct relegation, and the most notable player must be Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Very experienced player, but at 37 years old I seriously doubt he can make a difference for the team. Angel Cappa is also the new coach, but his last job at River was far from impressive, and now he has an even weaker rooster to work with, so I doubt Gimnasia will be trouble-free at the end of the season. Unless a huge surprise happens, this should be a home win, but only for medium-low stakes, as the first rounds can always be dangerous. GL!

San Lorenzo @ 1.80, 4/10

Result: 1-1, LOST

Independiente - San Lorenzo

Argentina Copa de Oro - Torneo de Verano

The first of the Summer Tournaments starts tonight, in Mar de Plata, and will see Independiente and San Lorenzo dispute the final of Copa de Oro. Even though it is just a friendly game, these matches have gained enough history to be held in high regard from most teams and their supporters, so it shouldn't be treated as just a regular preparation game. Neither of the teams will field a full force squad tonight, opting to try some less used players. Independiente will use a mixed team, but since they have won the Copa Sudamericana in 2010, they made a lot of rotations in the league. Therefore, all the players they will use tonight have already played a more or less important role in Apertura. They have played together, have some matches in their back, and I'm sure everyone will try to impress, in order to be taken into account for their Copa Libertadores campaign (which starts at the end of the month), and the Clausura. Meanwhile, San Lorenzo will also use an alternative squad, but it is reported that 6 or 7 players will be youngsters, from the lower divisions of the club. They will surely try to impress, and should be happy with the opportunity, but they shouldn't have too many chances in front of a more experienced and more solid team of Independiente. Odds are very good for the DNB, and I trust El Rojo to take this Copa de Oro. GL!

Independiente DNB @ 2.17, 4/10

Result: 2-3, LOST

San Lorenzo - Independiente

Argentina Primera Division, Apertura

Independiente is the other Argentinian team that performs in the Copa Sudamericana, and we can see the consequence in the league. They have been awful so far in the league, finding themselves 3rd from bottom, but ever since coach Mohamed came to the club, there have been some visible improvements. However, away from home they have only managed to snatch one draw in 6 games, the other 5 matches ending in defeats. The big news is that after some thinking, the team will go with the B squad against San Lorenzo. Mohamed was determined to rest a few regulars, but also to field a decent team against El Ciclon, but it looks like he changed his mind overnight, and he will rest most of his regulars for the second leg against Deportes Tolima (who will also rest their regulars tonight). Sudamericana is a must for Independiente this season, as it is their only hope for playing in Libertadores next season. With this information, the odds on San Lorenzo become value, despite falling a bit in the last 2 days. El Ciclon isn't in the best form, and this should be a great opportunity for them to get back to winning ways. They will also change their defensive line from 3 defenders to 4, due to a couple of injuries, and that should give them more stability. A few changes are also expected in offense, as lately the strikers are seeming incapable of scoring, despite creating a lot of chances, but I have faith in the ability of those who will start tomorrow (most probably Menseguez and Rovira). GL!

San Lorenzo (-0.5 AH) @ 1.77, 5/10

Result: 1-1, LOST