Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker:
Looking to extend on their stellar purple patch this weekend, Boca Juniors will travel to the Estadio Libertadores de America on Saturday night when they meet Independiente.
Independiente
Starting with the hosts, while Independiente might have claimed a crucial boost earlier in the month as they snatched a 1-0 win away at Central Cordoba, it appears that might have just been a minor positive for Ricardo Zielinski’s inconsistent squad. Immediately crashing back down to earth last time out as they were hit with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Atletico Tucuman, El Rojo almost find themselves sat in Primera Division limbo in 2023. Recording just a single victory from their last four domestic appearances, the Buenos Aires-based outfit have gained a reputation for their lack of stability this season. Signing off June with a 3-0 drumming against Union Santa Fe, Saturday’s hosts are also yet to secure back-to-back domestic victories so far this season. Likewise, still seeking a clinical edge in the final third and bagging just one strike in their last three attempts, Zielinski’s men should face a stern test this weekend.
Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues this season, Independiente will once again be without the duo of Rodrigo Marquez and Tomas Agustin Pozzo on Saturday night.
Likewise, shown a straight red card against Central Cordoba earlier in the month, former Penarol defender Edgar Elizalde will not feature here as the 23-year-old is still serving a suspension.
Boca Juniors
As for the visitors, while Independiente might find themselves in the midst of an extended wobble, the mood in Boca Juniors’ camp should be at a red-hot high. Last seen putting in another eye-catching display as they clinched a 2-1 victory at home against Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge Almiron’s men will be looking to make another domestic statement here. With their eye-catching romp highlighted by a 3-1 win away at Gimnasia earlier in the month, the Argentinian giants have now won each of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Skyrocketing their way up the Primera Division standings and with their sights now set on making up some ground in the top-four chase, Saturday’s guests are also enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run. Really enjoying a rich free-scoring romp since returning from June’s international break, Boca will certainly be relishing a trip across Buenos Aires this weekend.
Team News
Boca Juniors have confirmed that they will once again be without the trio of Gabriel Aranda, Luca Langoni, Gonzalo Morales and former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo when they travel to the Estadio Libertadores de America.
Once again finding the net against Newell’s Old Boys earlier in the week and notching three strikes in as many appearances, Cristian Medina will have a key role to play on Saturday night.
Key Factors to Consider
