**Defensa y Justicia rolls in as slight favorites, but Gimnasia Mendoza's been quietly lethal on the road.** Both squads are riding similar form — three wins in five — so expect a cagey, competitive scrap under the lights in Gobernador Julio A. Costa. 🔥

Defensa's missing some key attacking depth with **A. Molinas** and **A. Hausch** sidelined, which could blunt their edge. Gimnasia, meanwhile, has punished teams away from home (that 3-0 demolition of Independiente is no fluke) and won't roll over at this level.

Key storylines:

- **É. Banega** and **C. Pérez** running Defensa's midfield play — the tempo and chance creation flows through them
- **Gimnasia's away-day menace**: **F. Lencioni** and **I. Sabatini** have been clinical on the road, especially after that statement win vs Independiente
- Defensa's injury list could force **D. Barbona** into extra attacking duties, leaving the defense stretched

Expected lineups:

- **Defensa y Justicia**: M. Borgogno, M. Rodríguez, D. Fernández, D. Martínez, L. Souto, S. Sosa, C. Pérez, É. Banega, D. Barbona, L. Fernández
- **Gimnasia y Esgrima Mendoza**: C. Rigamonti, M. Recalde, E. Muñoz, D. Mondino, L. Paredes, L. Carrera, F. Antonini, F. Lencioni, I. Sabatini

Prediction:

**1-1 draw** — both teams have the quality to find the net but neither has the depth advantage to dominate. Lean toward the stalemate.