Newell’s Old Boys v Talleres
Copa Liga Profesional de Fútbol
23rd November 2020
🏟️ Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, Rosario
On Monday night, Newell’s Old Boys have the chance to put themselves back in contention for a spot in the ‘Winners’ stage of the Copa Liga Profesional de Fútbol. Standing before them are group leaders Talleres who are unbeaten in the group (2 wins, 1 draw). One of those wins was over Newell’s, with Talleres running out 3-1 winners in the away leg in Córdoba a few weeks ago.
La Lepra have improved since then, beating Lanús away last week, but Talleres are coming off the back of a big away win against group favourites Boca Juniors.
Boca’s stock fell on Friday night as Lanús blew the group wide open with a surprising 1-2 away win at La Bombonera. That meant Newell’s slipped to bottom in the group over the weekend, but a win against Talleres could potentially see them move up to 2nd ahead of Boca, depending on goal difference.
Manager Frank Kudelka compared Monday’s challenge to being a cup final, knowing that a third defeat would most likely mean Newell’s will play in the ‘Losers’ stage (where teams will face off for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana). Captain Maxi Rodríguez told a press conference on Thursday that the team was obviously improving with every game and felt that they needed to try and control the game on Monday at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.
Newell’s v Talleres Team News
Injury doubts still plague Newell’s and the fitness of Santiago Gentiletti, who scored against Lanús last week, is a major question mark for the side. He went off in that game and although a scan proved he didn’t do any damage, Frank Kudelka said that Manuel Guanini was ready to step in if Gentiletti didn’t feel fit.
It’s not only football-related injuries that Kudelka has to deal with. The COVID-19 virus has not gone away and after taking Julián Fernández and Angelo Gabreilli last week, now young midfielder Nicolás Castro has received a positive test. He’s out of Monday’s game but Fernández may return along with Alexís Rodríguez who also previously tested positive. Gabrielli tested negative at the start of the week and returned to training but Kudelka confirmed that he still doesn’t feel 100%.
In contrast, our opponents Talleres have little injury worries and manager Cacique Medina can count on a fully fit squad, including Tomás Pochettino who was the victim last week in another dangerous tackle from Carlos Tévez. A week before, Tévez had clashed with Newell’s keeper Alan Aguerre who required elbow surgery and will now spend months on the sidelines.
His deputy, Ramiro Macagno, will start again for Newell’s after a strong showing against Lanús but it’s still not known how long he will stay at La Lepra. Last week, the on-loan keeper made a plea to his parent club Atlético Rafaela to let him stay in Rosario but Newell’s have yet to make a permanent offer and are said to be still keeping their options open with the arrival of a new goalkeeper not ruled out.
📺 Watch Newell’s v Talleres on Monday 23 November: Live on Fanatiz
⏰ Kick-off: 21.15 ARG | 00.15 UK (Tuesday)
