Seventh-placed Rosario Central need a win over Central Cordoba on Tuesday to keep any hopes alive of a top-three finish in the Argentine Primera Division.

Yet another slip up last time out means Rosario now face an uphill task with just four games left of the season.

Match preview

A draw with Estudiantes means Rosario have taken just three points from a possible 12, scoring just one goal in that time.

Ignacio Malcorra's missed penalty was extremely costly in that 0-0 draw as it has all but ended their hopes of Copa Libertadores qualification.

Given their recent form, the pressure is on for Rosario to take one of the six Copa Sudamericana spots now.

That comes as a huge disappointment after being in the title hunt with 21 points from their first 11 matches of the season.

However, 15 points from a possible 36 since then makes the task look even more arduous, so their next two matches against Central Cordoba and Racing Club need to be targeted.

With champions elect River Plate to come as well as a trip to Belgrano in their final two matches, it appears even more imperative that points are picked up here.

Despite the midweek draw on home soil, it is Rosario's form at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito which has been their saving grace.

Taking 28 points from their 12 home games this season is a record only bettered by River, as Rosario have not lost a home encounter since last August.

The stark difference in their away form is the reason Miguel Angel Russo's side have slipped so far down the table, with just eight points and one win on the road all season.

Cordoba were one of the last sides to beat Rosario on home soil almost a year ago, thrashing their upcoming opponents 3-0, and they will take confidence into this clash following a 2-0 win over Newell's Old Boys on Friday night.

After a run which saw Cordoba win just two games out of 12, it was a victory that has more or less guaranteed safety, with Leonardo Madelon's men now 12 points clear of the drop with four games left.

Despite the lack of wins, being draw specialists has ensured Cordoba have steered clear of trouble, and they are now six games unbeaten following Friday's win.

This late season form will be beneficial to Cordoba heading into next season too, as every point picked up will contribute to strengthening their coefficient ranking to avoid relegation.

Team News

Alejo Veliz's return from international duty has been important in Rosario picking up the few points they have managed to in recent weeks.

Veliz's goal contributions have helped Rosario to four points since returning from the Under-20 World Cup, where he scored in all three group games for Argentina.

Walter Montoya is set to be Rosario's only injury absentee ahead of this clash.

Lucas Gamba has been the man in form for Cordoba, as his two goals and one assist over the last two games have helped the side to four points.

The 36-year-old should be partnered by Brian Farioli up top, but Cordoba will be without Nicolas Leguizamon in attack, and Marcelo Benitez at the back.

Rosario Central possible starting lineup:
Broun; Martinez, Mallo, Quintana, Rodriguez; Mac Allister, Ortiz, Malcorra; Oviedo, Veliz, Campaz

Central Cordoba possible starting lineup:
Mansilla; Blasi, Goni, Pereyra, Canto; Rius, Pitton, Maciel, Besozzi; Farioli, Gamba

We say: Rosario Central 1-1 Central Cordoba

Rosario's inability to win recently may be exposed again by a Central Cordoba side who have become tough to beat.

Extending their unbeaten run to six games on Friday means the visitors will fancy themselves to take something from this one.


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