Argentine Primera 2012, Week 5 Preview And Fixtures: Boca, Velez Should Win Easily

Boca Juniors appear to be establishing themselves for the title in Argentina yet again, while most of their opposition has faltered a couple of times. Things will get very interesting in Argentina if Boca manage to do anything but win in incredibly convincing fashion this week, while a couple of their competitors play in what might be a title eliminator.

Estudiantes La Plata host Lanus in the late game on Friday, and one of them will have their status as a fringe contender virtually done away with if they lose. Estudiantes are two points behind Boca and are coming off of a terrible Apertura, while Lanus have recently developed a reputation as chokers. With a win, either would establish themselves as one of the main contenders for Boca’s crown.

The other main contender for the title is Velez Sarsfield, and they should pick up all three points this week. They play in the Monday match at home against Olimpo, and anything less than three points would be a disaster. Boca’s game is also an easy home fixture, against bottom team Independiente. This is not likely to be a week where either Boca or Velez is tested.

Both fringe contenders have winnable, but tricky home matches. Tigre go away to a very bipolar Banfield team, who looked absolutely abysmal in their first two matches. Since then, they’ve defeated Racing away and drawn Godoy Cruz at home. All Boys go away to Racing, who have some suspension issues. Star striker Teo Gutierrez returns from suspension, but midfielder Patricio Toranzo is out after he got sent off against Arsenal last week.

Schedule

Colon vs. Newell’s Old Boys - Friday, 3:00 p.m. ET
Estudiantes vs. Lanus - Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Argentinos Juniors vs. San Martin - Saturday, 3:00 p.m. ET
Racing vs. All Boys - Saturday, 5:10 p.m. ET
Belgrano vs. San Lorenzo - Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Banfield vs. Tigre - Sunday, 4:00 p.m. ET
Godoy Cruz vs. Arsenal - Sunday, 4:00 p.m. ET
Atletico Rafaela vs. Union - Sunday, 6:10 p.m. ET
Boca Juniors vs. Independiente - Sunday, 6:10 p.m. ET
Velez Sarsfield vs. Olimpo - Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET