Round 21 in the Argentine Primera Division sees two out-of-form sides, Banfield and Belgrano, face off at the Julio Cesar Villagra Stadium on Monday night.

Both sides have claimed one win from their last five top-flight games, even if the home side have fared marginally better in that period.

Match preview

Belgrano's loss of form since late April has beggared belief due to Marron's previous results before the drop-off — a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions before losing at Independiente on April 30.

That loss was meant to be anomalous, but it has brought about a decline in performances and results, in which two wins have been claimed in the last six games.

Three losses in that period leave much to be desired, and long-serving boss Guillermo Farre needs a turnaround for 10th-placed Marron.

Be that as it may, the poor results have been limited to away games only, with Belgrano's form at the Julio Cesar Villagra Stadium showing one defeat in the ongoing campaign — a 2-0 loss against Tigre in late February.

Since that loss, four of the next seven games have been victories, while their proclivity for clean sheets — six shut-outs since conceding twice to Tigre — means they are fancied for maximum points.

A poor run of results cost Javier Sanguinetti his job at Banfield, but his replacement Julio Cesar Falcioni has not had the most encouraging start at the Bueno Aires club.

Four of Falcioni's five games in charge since his May 10 appointment have been defeats, with the only victory the 2-0 triumph over Rosario Central on May 29.

A 3-0 Copa Argentina triumph over Argentino de Merlo could be the fillip required to turn their season around, although the quality of their fifth-division opponents means little should be read into the June 19 cup game.

Back in league football, the second-bottom Banfield looks to secure their fifth victory this season, having lost consecutive games heading into the gameweek 21 encounter.

However, they have lost three road games on the trot without scoring a goal, while a broader run of one away win all season gives little optimism.

Team News

Francisco Oliver has not played since his ligament rupture in early March, and the defender is still out with an injury.

Erik Godoy and Mariano Mino, who remain sidelined with muscle injuries, are not expected to feature at El Gigante de Alberdi.

Farre has a decision to make at left-back due to Alex Ibacache's continued in-game niggles forcing him off in Belgrano's recent matches, and the manager could opt for Lucas Diarte from the off if he chooses.

Long-term Banfield absentee Alexis Maldonado has not returned from the ligament injury sustained over a year ago.

Emanuel Insua received a straight red in the away side's 4-1 thrashing against River Plate, ruling out the left-back on Monday night, with Alejandro Maciel expected to replace the suspended defender in the lineup and Luis Mago moving to full-back.

Belgrano possible starting lineup:
Losada; Baringa, Rebola, Meriano, Diarte; Pereira, Longo, Sanchez, Hesar; Zepelli; Vegetti

Banfield possible starting lineup:
Cambeses; Coronel, Olivera, Maciel, Mago; Sosa, Cabrera, Remedi, Bisanz; Sosa, Gimenez

We say: Belgrano 2-0 Banfield

It is hard to look beyond Belgrano against Banfield, due to the home side's consistency on their turf and the visiting side's inability to pull up trees on their travels.


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