Copa Argentina first-round action continues this week, with one of the country’s most successful clubs hosting a team struggling in the second tier.
On Friday, Independiente welcome Deportivo Laferrere to the Estadio Libertadores de America as both sides aim to book their place in the second round.
Will the hosts live up to expectations? Or could the visitors upset the odds? In this preview, we cover all the key stats and analysis before sharing our predictions.
Terminó el encuentroDeportivo Riestra 1 - 0 #Independiente pic.twitter.com/BWTlFyAOIz— C. A. Independiente (@Independiente) March 15, 2024
Terminó el encuentroDeportivo Riestra 1 - 0 #Independiente pic.twitter.com/BWTlFyAOIz
Independiente head into Friday’s showdown on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Riestra, despite racking up 74% possession and 10 shots last time out.
As a result, Independiente find themselves sixth Group A of the Primera Division, having recorded five wins, three draws and three losses this season.
It is worth noting that Independiente have failed to win any of their last three matches, with draws against Barracas Central and River Plate preceding last week’s defeat.
That said, Independiente have lost just two of their previous eight encounters, with a solitary defeat coming in their last four home games.
As for Deportivo Laferrere, they played out a 2-2 draw with Villa San Carlos last weekend, conceding in the 94th minute to throw away two points at the death.
That result means that Laferrere enter Friday’s clash on a four-game winless run, having recorded two draws and two losses since their last victory.
When you look at the bigger picture, Laferrere have managed to win just one of their seven league games this term, leaving them fourth from bottom in the second tier.
Plus, Deportivo Laferrere possess the worst defensive record in the second division, having conceded 13 goals in seven outings this season.
Head-to-head: There are no previous matches found between Independiente and Deportivo Laferrere, meaning we have no H2H statistics to analyse.
Team news: Independiente look set to be without the injured trio of Matias Gimenez, Alexis Canelo and Rodrigo Marquez for Friday’s showdown.
If Laferrere are to advance to the next round, they may need to rely on Walter Emanuel Trejo, who found the back of the net last time out.
With both sides bidding to reach the second round of the Copa Argentina, Friday’s clash will likely produce goals at both ends of the pitch.
Forebet’s algorithm predicts that Independiente and Deportivo Laferrere will serve up a high-scoring draw, with both teams netting over 1.5 goals.