Newell's Old BoysvsCA Belgrano de Cordoba

A Clash of Resurgence and Resilience

As Newell's Old Boys prepare to host CA Belgrano de Cordoba, the stage is set for a compelling encounter at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa. Newell's, under the fresh guidance of interim coach Ricardo Lunari, have shown signs of revival after a challenging start to the season. Their recent victories against Tigre and Huracán have injected much-needed confidence into the squad, with the latter win keeping their continental competition hopes alive. However, the inconsistency that has plagued them was evident in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Deportivo Riestra, where defensive lapses cost them dearly.

Historical Context and Recent Form

Historically, encounters between these two sides have been tightly contested, often resulting in low-scoring affairs. The most common result when Newell's hosts Belgrano has been a goalless draw, a pattern seen in three of their past meetings. In fact, the last time Belgrano secured an away victory against Newell's was back in 2017. Despite Newell's recent upturn in form, they have struggled to maintain consistency at home, failing to win in their last four matches at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

Tactical Insights and Key Players

Newell's have relied on a blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership to navigate their recent fixtures. Matko Miljevic's last-minute heroics against Lanús highlighted their attacking potential, but the defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. On the other hand, Belgrano's recent performances have been more stable, with their away form slightly better than Newell's home record. Both teams have shown a tendency to concede, with Newell's allowing goals in each of their last five matches.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

Given the historical context and current form, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Both teams have struggled to find the net consistently against each other, with an average of just 0.8 goals per match in their encounters. While Newell's have the home advantage, Belgrano's resilience on the road cannot be underestimated. Therefore, a low-scoring draw, potentially a 0-0 or 1-1, appears to be on the cards, with both teams unlikely to score.