Preview: Platense vs. Gimnasia - prediction, team news, lineups

The top two sides in the Argentine Primera Division at this early stage of the second phase of the campaign will square off on Thursday, as Platense welcome Gimnasia to the Estadio Ciudad de Vicente Lopez.

The hosts sit at the summit having won both of their first two games, while their visitors are just two points worse off after putting their first win of the second phase on the board last time out.

Match preview

Platense had to endure an underwhelming first phase to the new Argentinian top-fight season, as they finished second from bottom in their group with just two wins and 10 points from their 14 outings.

They have started the main campaign in a far more positive fashion, though, moving to the top of the division as the only side to win both of their first two league games.

Omar De Felippe's side began with a home contest against Godoy Cruz, and they took all three points thanks to Mauro Zarate's 84th-minute penalty, after Gonzalo Bergessio had also scored from the spot to draw them level.

The Calamares then travelled to take on Velez Sarafield last Sunday and succeeded in making it two wins from two, as Ivan Gomez hit the only goal of the game in the 74th minute.

Now on a high following their strong start, De Felippe's men will look to establish themselves as the leading side in the Argentinian top flight with another victory to extend their perfect run.

They welcome a Gimnasia side who will also be pleased with their start after just missing out on the playoffs in the first phase, eventually finishing a point off fourth spot in their group.

Their main campaign began with a trip to Estudiantes, and Nestor Gorosito's side left with a point as Cristian Tarragona netted an equaliser in the second half.

El Lobo were then quickly able to put their first win on the board last time out, when they hosted Patronato last Friday.

Johan Carbonero opened the scoring in the first half, and Tarragona ensured his side took all three points as he converted a 75th-minute penalty.

Now on the back of that positive start, Gorosito's men will look to keep building momentum to further strengthen their place at the top of the Argentine Primera Division.

Team News

After their positive start to the campaign, Platense could set up with an unchanged starting XI on Friday.

Nicolas Delgadillo is expected to continue his spell on the sidelines, having missed their last outing after going off injured in the league opener against Godoy Cruz.

De Felippe should again try and fit in the experienced duo of Gonzalo Bergessio and Mauro Zarate in attack, with the pair boasting over 330 combined career goals.

Gimnasia are also unlikely to make many changes after their pleasing start, and the visitors do not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their trip.

Their attack will be led by Cristian Tarragona, who has found the net in each of the first two league games after scoring eight goals in 14 appearances in the first phase of the domestic season.

He could again be partnered by Eric Ramirez, with Johan Carbonero offering further attacking threat from the left flank.

Platense possible starting lineup:

Ledesma; Morgantini, Ruiz Diaz, Suso, Infante; Villalba; Schor, Gomez, Sabella; Zarate, Bergessio

Gimnasia possible starting lineup:

Rey; Insaurralde, Morales, Piris, Melluso; Sosa, Cardozo, Aleman, Carbonero; Ramirez, Tarragona

We say: Platense 2-1 Gimnasia

Platense will be full of confidence thanks to their strong start, and we see them building on their momentum with a third straight league win with home advantage.

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