Chacarita Juniors
- Chacarita Juniors haven’t exactly been convincing in the preseason, which isn’t particularly helpful for coach Matías Módolo as he takes the reins for the first time in league action.
- The squad has been revamped during the winter break and many new faces are still looking to find their feet.
- Módolo will try to impose structure and organisation on this squad as the team will look to play in a compact 4-4-2 system with some flexibility to change shape based on the situation and possession dominance.
- Hernán Rivero will be the main goal threat for Los Funebreros, having led the line effectively in previous campaigns.
San Martín
- Ariel Martos was a savvy appointment as San Martín’s new coach and he knows how to build pragmatic, organised teams that are structured to win football games.
- The signing of veteran Argentina international centre-back Emanuel Aguilera in January provides leadership and top-level experience to San Martín’s backbone.
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San Martín notched a 2 - 1 win and a 1 - 1 draw against Godoy Cruz in preseason, so they appear to have a much better match rhythm than Chacarita and will be desperate to kick on after relegation from the top flight.
- Preseason results:
- 2 - 1 win vs Godoy Cruz
- 1 - 1 draw vs Godoy Cruz
- Preseason results:
Head-to-Head
- San Martín have won three of the last six head-to-head clashes, including a 4-0 victory in August 2024.
- Chacarita Juniors have won just one of their last six clashes with San Martín.
Key Players
- Hernán Rivero will be the main goal threat for Los Funebreros, having led the line effectively in previous campaigns.
- Tomás Fernández has been involved in goals and assists during early 2026 preparations.
- The signing of veteran Argentina international centre-back Emanuel Aguilera in January provides leadership and top-level experience to San Martín’s backbone.
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers have Chacarita Juniors at 2.46 to take the win.
- The draw at 2.58 also looks a little high given Chacarita’s state of flux.
- The Under 2.5 goals market at 1.28 probably has this game covered in case a goal dries up in the warm, potentially rainy conditions.
Prediction
- We’re going to go with the visitors because of their better preseason form.
- A 1-1 draw will be considered a good outcome for both teams.
