9. Huracan (9) vs Argentinos Juniors (1)
Argentinos go for that long-awaited title
TEAM NEWS
Huracan
forward Andres Franzoia hadn't been allowed to play
against Boca due to a contract clause; now he can return to the starting
lineup.
Argentinos
Juniors forward Ismael Sosa missed the Independiente game for the same reason and now returns to
the first eleven.
Chilean
goalkeeper Nicolas Peric is in doubt with a torn
hamstring.
Playmaker Facundo Coria is doubtful for the
match with a bruised leg.
Huracan
Suspended:
none
Doubtful:
none
Injured/Unavailable:
Bottaro (hamstring), Orlando (knee), Diaz (hamstring)
Argentinos
Juniors
Suspended:
none
Doubtful: Coria (leg), Peric (hamstring)
Injured/Unavailable:
Fernandez (toe)
MATCH
PREVIEW
For Argentinos Juniors, glory is just one step away. Huracan are the last obstacle.
Huracan
got a surprising win last week. They won at Boca after 30 years. This was cause
for celebration in Parque Patricios.
After all, they've won 26 points, one more than the 25 set as a goal by manager
Hector Rivoira. The team began to improve when Gino
Clara broke into the lineup: he's a fast paced, skilled forward whose father
played for Independiente in the 80's. He has good
genes. He is the spark for this offense.
Argentinos
Juniors had an amazing comeback against Independiente.
With three minutes to go, they were down 2-3 but managed to turn it around.
They are one step away from the title. It won't be easy with two important
players injured. Goalkeeper Nicolas Peric will do the
impossible to play despite the torn hamstring that took him off the pitch
against Independiente. His backup, youngster Luis Ojeda, doesn't have the experience necessary for this kind
of game. Playmaker Facundo Coria
will get a pain shot before the match and may start. The return of Ismael Sosa will be a positive asset for their attacking
game. "It would be good for Argentine football if we won the title",
said manager Claudio Borghi, whose future is in doubt
since Boca could be interested in hiring him. Will his tenure at Argentinos have a happy ending?
It will be
tough for Argentinos, but they should be able to win
their first championship in 25 years.
HEAD TO
HEAD
Huracan
lead this matchup with 43 wins, 32 defeats and 33
draws.
However, Argentinos Juniors won 5-1 last December. The last away win
for Argentinos was in the 03-04 second division
season, 2-0.