Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Argentine Primera Division clash between Boca Juniors and Talleres, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Boca Juniors will attempt to climb into the top 10 of the Argentine Primera Division second phase this weekend when they host Talleres.
The visitors currently sit above them in the table though, and could end up as league leaders with three points on Saturday.
Match preview
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After finishing fourth in Group B of the Argentine Primera Division’s first phase, Boca Juniors will be heading into this section of the competition with plenty of confidence.
So far it has been a mixed start though with one victory and defeat across the opening two fixtures, with the former taking place in their most recent outing.
Boca Juniors were part of a six-goal thriller against Central Cordoba, and despite going behind in the third minute they did come out on top with a 4-2 victory.
Braces from Ezequiel Fernandez and Miguel Merentiel secured those three points which instantly pushed the team into 11th place in the second phase, putting pressure on those above them at the same time.
Following on from that result is now the key for Boca Juniors, which would instantly see them go level on points with their opponents while likely cracking the top 10.
The visitors will not be overly concerned by that though, especially since they were so dominant in the first phase where they only lost twice.
Talleres finished Group A in fifth place, but have brought a lot of confidence into the first two matches of the second phase of this competition.
That is why they currently sit second in the division with only goal difference keeping them below River Plate, showcasing how quickly things could change this weekend.
Talleres have kept clean sheets in their previous two matches in different tournaments, and having that confidence against a strong attacking outfit like Boca Juniors will be crucial.
They head into this match on the back of a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and that could be the difference maker when it comes to this particular fixture.
Boca Juniors Argentine Primera Division form:
Boca Juniors form (all competitions):
Talleres Argentine Primera Division form:
Talleres form (all competitions):
Team News
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Guillermo Fernandez should take up the defensive midfield role for Boca Juniors heading into this fixture, providing a base for the entire team.
Meanwhile Merentiel should retain his place up front after bagging a brace during Boca Juniors’ most recent fixture.
When it comes to the visitors, they might not opt to make any changes to the team that starts on Saturday due to how well they have been playing as of late.
Although Bruno Barticciotto might be in contention to come into the side after he impressed as a substitute when he got on the scoresheet.
Boca Juniors possible starting lineup:
Romero; Blanco, Di Lollo, Mendia dos Santos, Advincula; G.Fernandez, Zenon, E. Fernandez, Saralegui; Merentiel, Langoni
Talleres possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Benavidez, J. Portillo, Suarez, Navarro; Ortegoza, M. Portillo, Botta; Sosa, Bou, Girotti
We say: Boca Juniors 0-2 Talleres
This is likely to be a close fixture due to how talented both teams are, especially since the Boca Juniors fans will create an intimidating atmosphere.
But the run that Talleres are enjoying at the moment will ave created real belief within the squad that will be tough to stop.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.