With just three games left of the championship, Monday's game between first and third is a title shoot-out in every sense of the word. With Lanus waiting expectantly in the wings both competitors know that a loss would put a serious dent in their Clausura ambitions, and a draw could be just as damaging for their prospects if the Grana pick up three points.
Velez have to pick themselves off the floor after Thursday's painful Copa Libertadores exit against Penarol, but the Fortin at least now can focus solely on the national campaign without worrying about player fatigue dealing them a blow. Ricardo Gareca put out an almost second-string side last time round and was punished with an away defeat to Tigre. It remains to be seen, however, if the first-teamers who pushed themselves so hard in the Copa can stretch their weary legs and fight on in Argentina.
The Tomba meanwhile had their 2011 problems neatly summed up in last week's 2-2 draw to Gimnasia; plenty of goals going in their favour, but also far too many conceded. Godoy let in a last-minute equaliser to lose the chance to draw level with Velez at the top, and a Clausura tally of 29 scored, 24 conceded points to a team which has at times been too cavalier. Of the three sides fighting the title the Mendoza outfit are the outsiders, but a victory in Liniers would give them an excellent chance of securing their first ever championship.
Prediction:
A lot hangs on how the home team reacts to continental defeat, and if the spirit previously shown by Maxi Moralez and company is anything to go by, bet on it being positive. A narrow Velez Sarsfield win is a smart pick, although Godoy will also fancy their chances.
Friday
The weekend opens with another relegation six-pointer for Olimpo, who know three points would all but guarantee them a second season in the Primera. The Aurinegro visit Arsenal de Sarandi, currently just one point ahead of River in the promocion as they seek to secure a 10th successive year in the top-flight since being promoted for the first time in 2002.
Saturday
Just the two games to look forward to on Saturday, as the AFA's scheduling whiz-kids try their best to ensure the title and relegation candidates share similar kick-off times and avoid any advantage or disadvantage to later mention to the press. All Boys have enjoyed an excellent first season in the Primera and are safe of promocion worries barring disaster; they will travel across Buenos Aires to take on a Banfield side in high spirits after dispatching Racing in Avellaneda.
In Rosario, Newell's Old Boys are just desperate for the season to finish, as they look to put an end to a torrid Clausura campaign. The basement boys welcome San Lorenzo, who should have ex-Godoy coach Omar Asad on the bench after 'El Turco' completed a messy resignation from Emelec to join the Bajo Flores club.
Sunday
It is do or die time for Quilmes and Gimnasia, who both take on grande rivals at home as they look to escape the bottom reaches of the average table. Quilmes face a Boca Juniors team who are in-form and just one point from the Copa Sudamericana places. The Cerveceros meanwhile must win all three of their remaining games to stand a chance of avoiding the direct drop.
Gimnasia have a little more breathing space, but will also have to be on form to take down Racing Club. La Academia are holding on to the last Sudamericana place by the skin of their teeth, and with matches against Velez and Godoy on the horizon know that the game in La Plata is their best chance to add another victory.
Huracan currently join Quilmes in direct relegation, albeit just one point from Gimnasia, but with seven straight defeats it is hard to see a win forthcoming at home to Tigre. Three points are also vital to River Plate as they host Colon, with Leandro Caruso and Diego Buonanotte the latest combination up front to try and solve the Millo's chronic shortage of goals.
Monday
Before Velez and Godoy finish the weekend's action, Lanus have the opportunity to go top even for a couple of hours if they can down Independiente in Avellaneda. The Grana have been in excellent form and are also celebrating Diego Valeri's inclusion in the Copa America squad, but Independiente are no slouches themselves having won three in a row, and will make this an intriguing match.
Argentinos Juniors and Estudiantes also meet in the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the Bicho looking to advance their Sudamericana dreams against the coachless La Plata side - who nevertheless cut a 12-game winless streak by beating Huracan 3-0 in the last 60 minutes of a clash suspended for crowd trouble.
Full Fixtures and Predictions for Round 16
| Arsenal | 1 | 1 | Olimpo | Sat 14:00 |
| Banfield | 2 | 1 | All Boys | 16:10 |
| Newell's OB | 0 | 1 | San Lorenzo | 18:20 |
| Quilmes | 1 | 1 | Boca | 20:20 |
| Gimnasia LP | 2 | 2 | Racing | Sun 14:00 |
| Huracan | 1 | 3 | Tigre | 16:00 |
| River Plate | 0 | 0 | Colon | 18:10 |
| Independiente | 1 | 2 | Lanus | 20:20 |
| Argentinos | 2 | 0 | Estudiantes | Mon 16:10 |
| Velez | 3 | 2 | Godoy Cruz | 21:10 |
