Argentinos Juniors vs Deportes Tolima Predictions

Friday’s Copa Sudamericana second round, first leg action sees Argentinos Juniors doing battle with Colombians Deportes Tolima at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona. A close game is expected to be in order, with little looking like separating the two sides on paper or on the pitch.

After seeing off Venezuelans Estudiantes de Merida in the first round of Sudamericana action, Argentinos now have Tolima firmly within their sights and will be hoping to secure progression. Los Bichos aren’t considered one of the front runners to lift the competition but will still be aiming for a deep run in it nonetheless.

That being said, Argentinos are also in the midst of an important domestic competition, the Copa de la Superliga, so they could make a few changes in this match. They have made an excellent run to the semi-final of said competition but with a tough game against Boca Juniors to come at the weekend, they’ll likely want to have their key players rested in Friday’s game.

That will boost Tolima’s hopes of taking home a strong result and the visitors arrive fully motivated to get off to a good start in the tie. The side crashed out of a tough Libertadores group containing Boca Juniors and Athletico PR to drop into the Sudamericana but should now be more competitive and will fancy their chances of going deep into the competition.

The visitors arrive in pretty good shape and confidence is running high in visiting ranks. The side are currently top of their play-off group in the opening phase of the Colombian season and also having lost just 1 of their last 6 away games, they certainly won’t be travelling to Buenos Aires in apprehensive state.

Ultimately, this looks a tough tie to call with both sides appearing reasonably well matched. Argentinos would be undoubted favourites in this first leg if they weren’t distracted by domestic affairs and the changes they will likely make should ensure it’s a very close game.

All things considered, backing a draw looks the best way to play as far as the betting is concerned and is exactly where our money is going. Argentinos have drawn 4 of their last 7 matches, including each of their last 2 home games and with Tolima hard to beat on the road, a 1-1 stalemate could well be on the cards; leaving it all to play for in the second leg.