Defensa y Justicia and Independiente, two teams from the lower half of the Argentine Primera Division, are set to clash on Tuesday at the Estadio Norberto Tito Tomaghello.
Currently, Defensa y Justicia are in 25th place with just one point from their first three games, while Independiente are slightly better off in 20th place with two points.
Defensa y Justicia Form
Defensa y Justicia have struggled significantly in recent matches across all competitions.
They are winless in their last eight games, their last victory being a 1-0 win against Newell's Old Boys in the Copa de la Liga in April.
In their three Argentine Primera Division matches, Defensa has lost two and drawn one. This poor run led to a managerial change, with Francisco Meneghini taking over.
However, his first game in charge saw a loss to Universidad Cesar Vallejo in the Copa Sudamericana.
Independiente Form
Independiente's form has been slightly better but far from ideal.
They have lost two, drawn five, and won three of their last ten games in all competitions.
Their Argentine Primera Division form mirrors Defensa’s, with two draws and one loss in their three games.
Following the departure of Carlos Tevez, Youth Coordinator Hugo Tocalli has taken over as interim manager, securing a point in his first match against Velez Sarsfield.
Team News
Defensa y Justicia
Defensa y Justicia will be without several key players due to injuries. Luciano Herrera is suspended following a red card in their last Copa Sudamericana match.
Esteban Burgos, Rodrigo Bogarin, and Alexis Soto are all sidelined due to injuries sustained in their previous league game.
Additionally, David Barbona and Gaston Togni are out with long-term injuries, while Nicolas Fernandez is expected to return later in June.
Independiente
Independiente also face injury issues with Ivan Marcone and Santiago Toloza out until late June, and Matias Rojas sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury.
Hugo Tocalli may choose to stick with the same lineup that earned a draw against Velez Sarsfield.
Predicted Lineups
Defensa y Justicia: Fiermarlin; Tripichio, Marco, Aguilera, Caceres; Sosa, Gutierrez; Molinas, Palavecino, Echevarria; Blandi
Independiente: Rey; Isla, Fedorco, Laso, Perez; Martinez, Mancuello; Lopez, Millan, Tarzia; Avalos
Prediction
Given the current form and the injury issues plaguing Defensa y Justicia, Independiente appear to have a slight edge.
Despite both teams undergoing managerial changes, Independiente’s recent performances suggest they might secure a narrow victory.
Our Prediction: Defensa y Justicia 0-1 Independiente
Defensa 
Independiente 
