Argentina: Apertura 2007, Forecast

It's much more interesting watching Apertura when you know what to expect from the upcoming week-end...

Tigre - Colon
Both teams played well their previous matches, and will do their best to consolidate the successes. More weighty Colon has more chances for that.

Racing - Newell's Old Boys
Racing is drowning, and its chiefs will be trying to convince everybody that acquired Arrieta and Navia can compensate the sale of Morales (which is unlikely). In its turn, Newell's which started the Apertura very well despite all the expectations, will feel comfortably in terms of psychology against a nervous opponent and is quite likely to return home with three points more.

Arsenal - Banfield
Banfield has clearly been accelerating. And they have lots of unused trumps yet, like Nicolas Pavlovich, who was promised to be a titular in this match. Arsenal started a bit worse, but will fight definitely. Will be a good match.

Rosario Central - Huracan
Finally Central may count on its main hope, Colombian Martin Arzuaga, who completed the disqualification. Without him the team looked faded. Huracan after three draws in first three matches will be seeking desperately for three points in Rosario. Will be a battle.

Lanus - Olimpo
Lanus is upset with the loss from Colon, and will be trying to rehabilitate in front of their hinchada. Olimpo has been on the rise after the win in the previous match. Frankly speaking, Lanus is obliged to win, but Olimpo has a too fancy squad, so that everything can happen.

Argentinos Juniors - Independiente
Two best as of now teams of Apertura will be sorting their relationships. Independiente is, of course, way stronger, and is obliged to win, but Argentinos have the best for this moment Apertura's forward, Alejandro Delorte, who can win the game on his own. Pedro Troglio has a hard dilemma: to send in recovered Montenegro, or leave absolutely outstanding Rodrigo Diaz. Actually, they should both play.

Estudiantes - San Lorenzo
Estudiantes is out of tune completely. San Lorenzo should win easily.

San Martin - River Plate
If River does not bring three points from San Juan, Passarella should resign immediately. River's squad does not impress at all, especially when Belluschi is disqualified. The bench depresses especially, having no trumps on it. The last Passarella's hope is if the superacquisition Alexis Sanchez explodes. San Martin must collect all its forces, because they have a clear chance.

Boca Juniors - Gimnasia de La Plata
Boca, probably, will fortify the defense (Paletta), and midfield (Gracian). But it's quite likely that it won't reflect on greyish playing of Xeneise. Although, Gimnasia, which has just traded the coach, is not able to compete today with any Boca.

Velez Sarsfield - Gimnasia de Jujuy
Velez Sarsfield under the guidance of La Volpe has no reasons to hope for the better. The squad is inexpressive, no trumps. Maybe only Damian Escudero. Everything would depend upon his mood. In it's turn, modest Gimnasia, inspired by the draw against River, will be lead by very bright playmaker Cesar Carranza. Gimnasia can win this match.