Newell’s Old Boys v Lanús
Copa Diego Armando Maradona
6th December 2020
🏟️ Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, Rosario
After last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Boca Juniors, Newell’s Old Boys can no longer qualify for the ‘Champions’ stage of the Copa Diego Armando Maradona.
Already confined to the ‘Losers’ section, they welcome a Lanús side to the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa who are still fighting for a place in the top two. The other teams in the group, Boca and Talleres, will kick-off at the same time and if Lanús win in Rosario, they know they can slip into a ‘Champions’ spot regardless of the result in Córdoba.
For Newell’s, the match is perhaps a chance for some fringe players to show their worth or an opportunity for the team to play their game without any significant pressure.
The only win Newell’s secured in the group was in the reverse fixture when La Lepra put four goals past a Lanús side who looked frustrated and vulnerable throughout.
They’ve recovered well since then, beating both Boca and Talleres in the domestic competition and also overcoming Club Bolívar over two legs in the Copa Sudamericana.
In his press conference on Thursday, Newell’s manager Frank Kudelka referred to the injuries and illnesses that have impacted the team but he also claimed that the lack of fans in the stadiums was one of the reasons why Newell’s underperformed in the competition. He made the point that this same squad were heroes last season but are now a disaster in the eyes of some because they suffered without the support of the fans.
Newell’s v Lanús Team News
Newell’s will be without key forward Ignacio Scocco as he suffered a broken collarbone in the loss to Boca Juniors.
In the same match, Angelo Gabrielli was shown a red card which means he is suspended for the Lanús game.
New signing Manuel Capasso joins the squad for the first time after recovering from injury while Ramiro Sordo is back in the 23 after being omitted last week.
Goalkeeper Ramiro Macagno continues to deputise for Alan Aguerre while he recovers from elbow surgery.
With one eye on their Copa Sudamericana quarter-final against Independiente next week, Lanús manager Luis Zubeldía is still likely to start a strong team with the hope of qualifying in the top 2 of Group 4.
Alexandro Bernabei is suspended after receiving a red card against Talleres and will be replaced by Leonel Di Plácido. Key players Lautaro Acosta and experienced striker José Sand have both not travelled to Rosario and are being kept fresh for the match against Independiente on 10 December.
On Saturday, it was announced that Newell’s Old Boys would wear a Diego Maradona inspired commemorative shirt for the match against Lanús.
📺 Watch Newell’s v Lanús on Sunday 6 December: Live on Fanatiz
⏰ Kick-off: 21.00 ARG | 00.30 UK (Monday morning)
