Juan Aurich vs Arsenal de Sarandi Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Juan Aurich are back in continental competition after a 1 year absence.  Their name has rarely, if ever, made waves on the big stage.  In recent years they have made three appearances in the Libertadores, exiting in the group phase on each occasion. Their Sudamericana record doesn’t make for better reading, standing at two appearances, and two first round exits. El Ciclon del Norte take to the field courtesy of an 8th place finish in last years overall table, with a record of 14-17-13.

Juan Aurich haven’t made the best of starts to domestic action. A new manager as well as a staggering 11 new players have come in but they are struggling to bed in so far. With 4 games played they find themselves bottom of the Group B section of the league they are contesting. They have just two points, but may consider themselves slightly unfortunate to not have a couple more, given both defeats were by a goal margin. One of their points came on Sunday, as they drew stalemate at home to Universitario.

2007 Sudamericana winners Arsenal are back in the competition after missing out last year. Their last participation was a short one, going out at the first hurdle to compatriots Independiente. Those inside Argentina were left scratching their heads when they realised Arsenal were in the competition this year, given the current state of the side. That’s because qualification was earned in the earlier part of 2016, when the team was playing at a far higher level, finishing 4th in Zone 1 of the Primera Division.

The side of early 2016 is long gone. Arsenal find themselves in big trouble back home. They have been by far the worse side in the current season, lying 30th out of 30 with 8 points from 14 games. Relegation is a real possibility, and is likely inevitable at some point in the near future, as El Arse sit 6th bottom in the average points table which is used to relegate sides. A new manager has been brought in to try and sort out the mess, with Humberto Grondona returning for a second spell at the club as boss. Friendlies under his leadership prior to the game here haven’t given an already angry fanbase any reason for renewed hope, with their side winless in four, losing two.

The bookies have priced this one up quite closely. Arsenal are the slight favourites, given they are coming from a league of higher quality. That being said it’s hard to use that as a reason to back them to pick up the win, considering how poorly they are doing in it.

This will be a tight game between two sides low on confidence. Both sides are still looking to get used to the ideas of new management. Arsenal have 1 win in 19, and haven’t won on the road since last April.  Juan Aurich have made a poor start to their domestic campaign, with an unsettled squad and have just 3 home wins in the last 15.

We see the draw as the most logical selection here and think it provides great value. The host’s two home games this year have ended with the spoils shared, while Arsenal’s previous two games have also ended in draws. Arsenal players will know another defeat, to perceived weaker opposition, will further raise tension between them and their supporters. While they have been dreadful on the road, and in general, we think they can battle to a 1-1 draw here against a Juan Aurich side that is also not in the best of shape.