Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Primera Division standings, Lanus will welcome Banfield to the Estadio Ciudad de Lanus late on Sunday night.
Lanus
Starting with the hosts, while Lanus might have only collected a single point from their last two Primera Division showdowns, the Garnets have impressed many across Argentina’s top-flight since opening the 2023 campaign. Despite being last seen playing out an action-packed 2-2 draw away at Defensa y Justicia, Frank Kudelka’s men have their sights firmly set on claiming what would be a remarkable top-three finish this season. Signing off June with an eye-catching display as they clinched a 1-0 victory away at Platense, the former Newell’s Old Boys boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions a run that stems back to May 15th. Appearing to cruise their way to a Copa Sudamericana ticket in 2023, it should also be highlighted that Sunday’s hosts have won seven of their previous eight showdowns at the Estadio Ciudad de Lanus.
Team News
Still dealing with an extended injury issue and not making a single appearance since the end of April, Lanus will once again be without 26-year-old Jose Dominguez on Sunday night. Likewise, Kudelka is still sweating over the fitness of both Tomas Belmonte and Raul Loaiza.
Cementing his spot as Kudelka’s number-one since returning from the World Cup’s winter break, Lautaro Morales should once again start between the sticks here.
Banfield
As for the visitors, while Banfield might still find themselves looking over the shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, El Taladro have certainly claimed a welcomed boost over the past month. Despite being forced to settle for a disappointing 0-0 stalemate at home against Arsenal Sarandi last weekend, the Buenos Aires-based outfit have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last five domestic appearances across all formats. However, although Banfield’s recent flurry might be highlighted by a shock 2-1 victory away at Tigre earlier in the month, Javier Sanguinetti s men will be worried by their most recent meeting against Sunday’s hosts. Suffering a lively 2-1 defeat when they welcomed Lanus to the Estadio Florencio Sola back in September, the Drill will know that they face another stern examination here.
Team News
Banfield will once again be unable to call upon the trip of Horacio Tijanovich, Alexis Maldonado and Andres Chavez on Sunday night. Making his first start since returning from June’s international break last weekend, Luis Mago will be hoping to keep his spot at the heart of Sanguinetti s midfield.
Despite drawing back-to-back blanks over the past fortnight, former Central Cordoba striker Milton Gimenez should spearhead Banfield’s attack here.
Key Factors to Consider
