On Wednesday, Independiente host Lanus at the Estadio Libertadores de America, as the home side attempt to seal a return to the Copa Libertadores for next season.
The home side are sixth in the Argentinian top-flight table, but a win would move them up to third and secure a place in South America’s top competition for next season.
Independiente have been relatively inconsistent of late in the league, but have suffered just one defeat in their last 15 Primera Division games.
Ariel Horan’s side recorded a 3-0 win at Union Santa Fe last time out to keep themselves in contention for a top-four finish.
One factor that has stalled El Rojo’s prospects of Copa Libertadores football next season has been their home form, as they have won just two of their last eight home games in the Argentinian top-flight, drawing five of those home encounters.
The visitors will start this game in ninth position and in the Copa Sudamericana spots. A big win in this clash would give them a chance to overtake the home side. However, they no longer have a chance of making the top-four this season.
Lanus have been in decent form of late, unbeaten in five Primera Division games and having recorded four wins in those last five league outings. Jorge Almiron’s team have been involved in lots of low-scoring games in recent months, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last ten outings in the Argentinian top-flight.
A big contributing factor to those recent low-scoring games is the fact that the visitors have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight outings in the Argentinian top-flight.
This Buenos Aires derby is vital for the home side, but the visitors have been very solid of late. Forebet predicts that this game will finish all square and Independiente will have to settle for taking part in the Copa Sudamericana next season.