Preview: Boca Juniors vs. Tigre - prediction, team news, lineups

Boca Juniors and Tigre head into their next fixture in the Argentine Primeira Division having already dropped points at the start of the second phase.

However, with both teams also having a win to their name, they can be satisfied with their opening double-header ahead of the meeting at La Bombonera.

Match preview

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Having failed to challenge for the league title last season, Boca Juniors are under pressure to perform better this time around, and Sebastian Battaglia will be delighted with their recent efforts.

The Blue and Gold managed to put together a 10-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, three victories during that period coming in the Copa Libertadores.

However, Boca Juniors have been far from convincing during their opening fixtures of the second phase in the Argentine Primeira Division, first needing a late goal from Sebastian Villa to get the better of Ferro Carril Oeste.

They were unable to build on that victory, however, with Central Cordoba SdE running out 1-0 victors on Sunday evening, the decisive strike coming soon after the restart.

Battaglia will not over-react to the surprise defeat, but it will not be lost on him that Boca Juniors have only recorded one win by more than a one-goal margin in seven attempts.

As far as Tigre are concerned, they are likely to be content with a season of consolidation after winning the second-tier crown last season.

El Matador's ambitions may have increased since the start of the second phase, however, with four points being collected from games with Union and Barracas Central.

On both occasions, Diego Martinez's team came from behind to earn their points, a sign that this squad are motivated to make an impact at the top end of the table rather than settling for safety.

More impressively, the return from their recent double-header came after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Boca Juniors on May 22, their only setback in the last five outings.

Team News

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On the back of a setback and a quick turnaround, Battaglia will almost certainly make a number of changes to his Boca Juniors XI.

Villa is the most obvious selection, taking the spot of Nicolas Orsini on the right flank, while playmaker Aaron Molinas is also pushing for a recall.

Cristian Medina could also be drafted back into the centre of the pitch, potentially taking the spot of Guillermo Pol Fernandez.

Tigre will be without Abel Luciatti after the centre-back was dismissed for two yellow cards against Barracas Central.

One of Nicolas Demartini, Oscar Salomon or Brian Leizza should take his place, while Mateo Retegui could return in attack after netting the equaliser in the most recent fixture as a substitute.

Boca Juniors possible starting lineup:

Rossi; Weigandt, Izquierdoz, Rojo, Fabra; Villa, Fernandez, Varela, Molinas, Zeballos; Benedetto

Tigre possible starting lineup:

Marinelli; Blondel, Cabrera, Salomon, Prieto; Obando, Prediger, Menossi; Protti, Retegui, Colido

We say: Boca Juniors 2-1 Tigre

Even though Tigre will be more pleased with their start to the second phase, we cannot ignore the result in the corresponding fixture several weeks ago. With that in mind, we are backing a narrow win for the home side, who can catapult themselves up the standings in the process.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.