Games of the Week:
12.06. (Sun) 19:00 Huracan B.Aires - Velez Sarsfield
12.06. (Sun) 23:10 Lanus - Arg. Juniors
With just two games of the championship to go, Sunday promises a tantalising double-header which could decide the final destination of the Clausura title. Leaders Velez Sarsfield travel to Parque Patricios to take on Huracan, while Lanus will want to keep up the pressure just one point behind with victory at home against Copa Sudamericana hopefuls Argentinos.
Free of continental commitments after exiting the Copa Libertadores at the semi-final stage, Ricardo Gareca's side know now that after such an impressive season failure in the local league would mean a trophy-less term, and real disappointment after such high hopes. They will have to work hard, though, to take points off an Huracan side fighting for their life at the other end of the table.
The Globo cut a run of seven straight defeats last week with a 3-2 defeat of Tigre, with a performance that showed the guts and spirit sorely lacking for most of the year. They remain just one point clear of Gimnasia and direct relegation, and will hope top scorer Javier Campora can once again find the goals to spark what would be the upset of the season on Sunday.
Lanus meanwhile are in the best form of anybody in the league, and could make it five wins in a row with victory over the Bicho. The strength of the team lies in the midfield quality of Diego Valeri and Mauro Camoranesi (below), who have formed a formidable duo all year to inspire a young team to the top reaches of the Clausura.
Argentinos are no pushovers, however. With just three defeats all year only this weekend's opponents have lost as few games, and no team can boast a stronger defence. A lack of attacking potency has cost the La Paternal club the chance to repeat their title triumph of 2010, but they could well frustrate the Grana and put a dent in their Clausura hopes.
Prediction:
Velez will not have an easy time in the Duco, but should have enough quality to see off the Globo and gain victory. Lanus as well will be expecting a win on their own turf, meaning the championship would go into a final weekend showdown.
Saturday's Action
Colon and Arsenal de Sarandi face-off in Saturday's early kick-off in Santa Fe, before Quilmes, need nothing short of a miracle to stay in the Primera after letting slip a 2-0 lead to draw with Boca, begin their quest for six points out of six against San Lorenzo. The Cuervo have nothing to play for but pride now, but should have new coach Omar Asad on the bench for the first time to give the players a little more incentive.
Three points are also a necessity for Gimnasia as they look to escape direct relegation against an All Boys side all but clear of the drop zone, before Tigre host Independiente in yet another clash which could have an effect at the bottom of the table.
Sunday's Action
Aside from the championship contenders, Sunday also sees Argentina's two biggest clubs in action. Aware of the need to pick up any point available, Juan Jose Lopez is planning a defensive 4-4-1-1 set-up for River Plate's visit to Estudiantes. Young starlet Erik Lamela will once more be expected to shoulder the creative burden for the Millo, as he lines up behind lone striker and last week's scorer Leandro Caruso.
Monday's Action
In the Bombonera meanwhile, it is the end of an era as Martin Palermo's incredible career comes to a close. 'El Titan' plays his last ever home Boca Juniors match as he faces-off against Banfield; and he will have a newly-fit Juan Roman Riquelme by his side as the striker hopes to put Boca into the Copa Sudamericana.
Tuesday's Action
With only one point from the last three games, spirits are low at Racing Club as the post-mortem on a season which promised so much already begin. La Academia though can all but seal a Sudamericana place with victory at home against Godoy Cruz, and they will have Teo Gutierrez up front after a compromise was reached to send the striker to Colombia's Copa America training camp later than scheduled.
Full Fixtures and Predictions
| Colon | 1 | 1 | Arsenal | Sat 19:00 |
| San Lorenzo | 1 | 0 | Quilmes | 21:10 |
| All Boys | 1 | 1 | Gimnasia LP | 23:20 |
| Tigre | 2 | 2 | Independiente | Sun 01:20 |
| Huracan | 1 | 2 | Velez | 19:00 |
| Estudiantes | 1 | 0 | River Plate | 21:00 |
| Lanus | 2 | 0 | Argentinos | 23:10 |
| Boca | 1 | 0 | Banfield | Mon 01:20 |
| Racing | 2 | 1 | Godoy Cruz | Tue 21:10 |
