- Team form: Colon de Santa Fe are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 games (Won 3, Drawn 6, Lost 1).
- Opponent form: CA Defensores de Belgrano have won 2, drawn 4 and lost 4 of their last 10 in all competitions.
A close game in prospect as two solid sides do battle
With only one win from their last five matches, CA Defensores de Belgrano have had a mixed bag of results recently, and their home form has been equally unconvincing.
Fabián Nardozza's men have won just one of their four home games in all competitions, drawing the other three, but the fact that they've only conceded one goal in those fixtures says much about the culture of defensive discipline that he has instilled at the club.
Colon de Santa Fe, meanwhile, are flying in the Primera Nacional and have won one and drawn four of their last five, remaining firmly in the promotion race.
Ezequiel Medrán has done a remarkable job, fashioning a team who are as comfortable on the ball as they are defensively sound.
- Indeed, Nardozza sets up his team in a rigid 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, in which structure, defensive discipline, and low-block defending are the priorities, and quick counters and limited attacking risk are the tactics.
- They've scored an average of just 0.50 goals per home game this season, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, as they remain unbeaten at home.
Medrán's men can nick it
Attacking shape
Colon de Santa Fe's game plan is more naturally suited to attacking, as Medrán usually opts for a 4-2-3-1 hybrid or a 4-3-3, where width, controlled possession, and balance are the main ingredients.
Ignacio Lago has been the main source of goals for Colon this season, with 3 of his team's 6 goals in their last 5 appearances coming via his boots, and he will be a man to watch on Saturday.
How it will play out
This meeting of styles promises to be a cagey affair, as Defensores' structured and compact defensive unit should be able to hold out against Colon's wider style of play, but the visitors should have the impetus to force the action and create the openings they'll need to break the deadlock.
A draw looks the most likely outcome, with Colon coming into the game on the back of 4 consecutive stalemates, and Defensores de Belgrano's home resilience making them a tough opponent on any day.
Considering the defensive nature of both sides and their respective attacking abilities, under 2.5 goals is the clear pick, and I'm backing the draw in the draw no bet market.
