The semi-finals of the Copa Sudamericana get underway this week with a Buenos Aires derby as Velez Sarsfield host Lanus at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani.
Having blown hot and cold in the Primera Division this season, both sides will be well-aware that a cup victory could help dispel misfortunes in the league.
Match preview
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Velez, who boast one of the most enthusiastic fanbases in Buenos Aires, have not won an international competition for well over 20 years, and there is a distinct feeling that this could be their year.
However, in recent years Mauricio Pellegrino's side have become somewhat of a provincial force on the continent, mainly known for being a thorn in the side of their more decorated city rivals.
Of course, like all football fans, Velez's fanbase refuses to settle for mediocrity, which is why the pressure is certainly on for El Fortin to go for gold when they line up against Lanus this week.
Velez have been playing well in recent weeks and Pellegrino will hope his men can translate this form into a domineering display later this week.
One man that Pellegrino could well pin his hopes on is frontman Cristian Tarragona, who has found himself amongst the goals in the last few weeks.
Against Universidad Catolica in the second leg of the quarter-finals, the 29-year-old forward opened the scoring with a slick penalty in the early stages.
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Lanus, on the other hand, have gone without a win in all competitions since their own quarter-final win against Buenos Aires heavyweights Independiente, a poor run of form that boss Luis Zubeldia will hope does not impact the mentality of his squad in the run-up to this game.
However, the last time these two sides met, Zubeldia's men comfortably dispatched Velez, winning the tie 3-1. There is no doubt that the Argentine coach will be hoping that his team can repeat that same scoreline this week.
Lanus last won the Copa Sudamericana back in 2013, where they comfortably dispatched Brazilian opponents Ponte Preta.
Despite some fans probably thinking the competition may be beneath them, all will look forward to a positive result against Velez.
Velez Sarsfield Copa Sudamericana form: DWWWLW
Velez Sarsfield form (all competitions): LWWWLW
Lanus Copa Sudamericana form: WLLWDW
Lanus form (all competitions): LWWDLD
Team News
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Pellegrino's men returned to training at the Olympic Village earlier this week following their 1-0 victory against Newell's Old Boys, and the manager will take solace in the fact that he has a largely fit squad going into the first leg of this tie.
Attackers Ricardo Centurion and Luca Orellano were both substituted off in the latter stages last time out, but both are expected to feature against Lanus.
In Lanus's 1-1 draw with Patronato, Zubeldia also made changes in preparation for this game, substituting a number of his best-attacking threats.
Gaston Lodico, who came off the bench to score a wonderful free kick against Patronato, is likely to retain his spot in the starting XI.
Velez Sarsfield possible starting lineup:
Hoyos; De La Fuente, Giannetti, Brizuela, Cavanagh; Galdames, Alvarez, Centurion, Janson, Orellano; Tarragona
Lanus possible starting lineup:
Morales; Aranda, Thaller, Perez, Aude; Belmonte, Lodico, Belluschi; De La Vega, Orsini, Acosta
We say: Velez Sarsfield 2-0 Lanus
Although Lanus are arguably the better side on paper, Velez have been a lot more consistent in recent weeks and may well take advantage of their opponents' own poor league form. We think Pellegrino's men will put their rivals to the sword in this first leg.
Top betting tip
Francis Buchanan
