Prediction: River Plate vs Estudiantes

Verdict: River Plate win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to widen their buffer at the top of the Primera Division table last on Saturday night, River Plate will welcome Estudiantes to the Estadio Mas Monumental.

River Plate

Starting with the hosts, putting in a rugged performance last weekend as they claim a 0-0 stalemate away at a high-flying Lorenzo, River Plate should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Despite opening July with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barracas Central, that is the only loss that the Argentinian giants have suffered from their previous 11 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to May 14th. Continuing to impress since opening the 2023 campaign, Enzo Francescoli’s men open this weekend’s fixtures holding a commanding nine-point buffer at the top of the Primera Division table. Looking to make another statement this weekend, River Plate have certainly gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. In fact, La Banda have remarkably won each of their previous 14 straight showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

River Plate will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Bruno Zuculini, Matias Suarez and Elias Lopez on Saturday night. Making a cameo appearance after serving a one-match suspension against Colon earlier in the month, 22-year-old Pablo Solari will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt here.

Notching six strikes in his previous nine appearances across all competitions and already breaking double digits in the Primera Division this season, Lucas Beltran should once again spearhead Francescoli’s charge at the Estadio Mas Monumental.

Estudiantes

As for the visitors, although Estudiantes might have signed off June with a stunning 4-0 romp against Oriente Petrolero while on Copa Sudamericana duties, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Lions. Putting in a flat performance earlier in the week as they suffered a lively 2-1 loss away at Barcelona SC, Eduardo Domínguez’s side are seeking some much-needed stability. Although the La Plata-based outfit might still find themselves leading the chase to claim another top-nine finish this season, they have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to June 2nd. Facing what is a huge challenge here, Estudiantes should also be worried by their most recent meeting against Saturday’s hosts. When Domínguez’s men travelled to the Estadio Mas Monumental last season, the Lions were hit with a woeful 5-0 drumming.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Estudiantes will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Emiliano Vecchio, Leonel Miranda and Johan Carbonero. Bagging a consolation strike away at Barcelona SC earlier in the week on his full return, 28-year-old Leonardo Godoy will be hoping to keep his spot at right-back.

Forming a budding partnership at the heart of Domínguez’s midfield, Fernando Zuqui will once again be partnered with ex-Banfield star Jorge Rodriguez.

Key Factors to Consider

• When River Plate welcomed Estudiantes to the Estadio Mas Monumental last season, Saturday’s hosts picked up a stunning 5-0 romp.
• La Banda have remarkably won each of their last 14 straight showdowns on home soil – a run that stems all the way back to February 26th.
• Estudiantes have managed to muster just a single win from any of their last eight domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Lions have recorded just a single victory away from the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi since the end of April.
• River Plate have recorded three clean sheets in their previous four appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a commanding nine-point buffer over the chasing pack, River Plate will simply be looking to make another statement at the Estadio Mas Monumental this weekend. Continuing to gain a reputation for their success on home soil and remarkably winning each of their last 14 straight showdowns in front of their own supporters, an inconstant Estudiantes will know that they face a monumental challenge here. Slumping to an infamous 5-0 drumming when they travelled to Buenos Aires last season, we are backing a similar home victory on Saturday night.

Verdict: River Plate win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet