Defensa y Justicia will host Independiente at the Estadio Norberto Tito Tomaghello in their Argentine Primera Division Matchday nine tie on Wednesday night.
Both sides have had poor starts to the new league season with Defensa y Justicia winning just one of their opening eight matches, while drawing four and losing three in the process. With now seven points they sit 24th in the league standings, five places and just three points off rock-bottom Aldosivi.
They head into the match off a 2-0 away defeat to Sarmiento last Saturday which saw their back-to-back victories across all competitions brought to a quick end, and they will be fighting to bounce back on Wednesday to prevent a further drop in the league table.
However, they face a side they haven’t beaten in their last six meetings and need to be on top of their game to claim something in the fixture.
Meanwhile Independiente have only won two of their opening eight matches, while drawing two and suffering four defeats in the process and with now eight points, they sit 22nd in the league standings, two places and a points above their Wednesday’s hosts.
Independiente head into the match off 0-0 draw against Rosario Central at home last Saturday which marked their fourth winless match in the league, suffering three defeats prior to the draw. The run has seen them drop to their current position in the league table and will be determined to bounce back on Wednesday to avoid a further drop.
They have won four of their last six matches against Defensa and will be looking to extend the run in the clash, although they will need to be on top of their game to come away with maximum points.
Defensa y Justicia vs Independiente head to head
Both sides have met in 14 encounters since 2013 with Independiente claiming seven victories, while Defensa y Justicia have claimed three victories and there have been four draws.
- Independiente 0-0 Defensa y Justicia 21/08/21
- Independiente 1-0 Defensa y Justicia 19/04/21
- Independiente 1-0 Defensa y Justicia 07/12/20
- Defensa y Justicia 0-0 Independiente 16/11/20
- Defensa y Justicia 0-1 Independiente 27/09/19
Home
- Sarmiento 2-0 Defensa y Justicia
- Defensa y Justicia 3-2 Aldosivi
- Argentinos Juniors 0-1 Defensa y Justicia
- Gimnasia La Plata 1-0 Defensa y Justicia
- Defensa y Justicia 1-1 Velez Sarsfield
Away
- Independiente 0-0 Rosario Central
- Racing 1-0 Independiente
- Independiente 1-3 Platense
- Patronato 3-1 Independiente
- Atletico Tucuman 0-1 Independiente
Defensa y Justicia team news
Defensa have no fresh injury concerns ahead if the clash, although Juan Rodriguez will miss out as he is recently completed a loan move to Rosario Central.
Independiente team news
Independiente will be without Leandro Benegas due to injury.
Prediction and odds
- Double chance (2, X)
- Both sides to score (NO)
- Goals under 2.5
