Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Copa Argentina match.
Rosario Central and Unión Santa Fe had contrasting campaigns in the Argentine Primera División Apertura, but both now face an opportunity to prove themselves in the Copa Argentina round of 32.
Rosario Central
Rosario Central topped their group and finished first overall among all 30 top-flight clubs. They averaged over two points per match, collecting 35 points from 16 rounds. Although viewed as potential title challengers in the play-offs, their run ended in the quarter-finals with a 0:1 defeat to seventh-placed Club Atlético Huracán. In the Copa Argentina, the squad has only played second-division side Los Andes so far (1:0).
Unión Santa Fe
By contrast, Unión Santa Fe ended the Apertura at the foot of their group, averaging under one point per match (0.9) and scoring less than one goal per game (0.7). Despite this, their defensive record was relatively solid for a team at the bottom of the standings, conceding just 17 goals in 16 fixtures. Their domestic form was also affected by their participation in the Copa Sudamericana, a competition that the club did not enter. Their continental campaign was equally disappointing, as they finished last in their group. As in domestic competition—where 12 of their 16 matches featured Total Under 2.5 goals—low-scoring games were also the norm in the tournament, with four of six matches ending under that mark.
Rosario Central vs Unión Santa Fe Prediction
Rosario Central will be without key player Enzo Copetti, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. The absence of their third-highest scorer further decreases the likelihood of a high-scoring contest, particularly as none of the last four meetings between the clubs have produced more than 2.5 goals. We expect the club to avoid defeat here, and the Total Under 2.5 goals market looks promising.
