Deportivo Riestra (home)
- Deportivo Riestra are 26th in Liga Profesional - Apertura 2026, with 5 points from their first 8 matches.
- Under Gustavo Benitez, Deportivo Riestra have built a solid, if unspectacular side from their limited resources in this campaign.
- Their key strength is a narrow, compact, and organized low block that is difficult for opponents to break down, but they do not win matches by controlling the ball, preferring instead to sit deep and look for pockets of space to break forward.
- Riestra have no wins in 4 home games in the Apertura 2026 campaign, drawing 3 and losing 1, and have only scored 1 goal all season at home.
Gimnasia Mendoza (away)
- Gimnasia Mendoza are 25th, with 8 points from 8 matches, just above their hosts.
- Ariel Broggi’s Gimnasia Mendoza play a completely different type of soccer to their opponents on Thursday.
- They are a very proactive side, with a high work rate, that like to press opponents hard and look to take advantage of the transitions.
- They do this with pace and energy, and this style can be very effective, although it can also make them easy to play against, particularly if they fail to start strong.
Gimnasia Mendoza
- Agustin Modica leads the line for Gimnasia Mendoza, he has 1 goal in 5 league games so far this season, and will be a focal point for their attacks.
- In behind him, Facundo Lencioni is an energetic playmaker, he has provided 2 assists in 8 games, and will be crucial in linking the attack with the midfield.
Deportivo Riestra
- Deportivo have few players that can make a difference, Antony Alonso has scored all 1 goal in 8 appearances for Riestra so far this campaign, and provides a target in attack.
- Pablo Monje is their playmaker and has 1 assist in 7 league appearances.
Betting Insights
- Gimnasia Mendoza’s recent form is mixed, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last 5, however, they recently managed a 1-1 draw away at Boca Juniors, a result which they can build upon to frustrate another of the top sides on the continent.
- Their away form is largely similar, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in 4 games, scoring 0.75 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.75 on the road this season.
- With odds of 2.27, Riestra are the slight favorites for this one, with Gimnasia Mendoza at 3.88 and the draw at 2.71, and the hosts’ 4-match draw streak should be taken into account.
- Under 2.5 goals looks likely and can be backed at 1.28.
Prediction
- Deportivo’s draw streak has been built upon a foundation of defensive solidity, but they lack a cutting edge in attack.
- The draw is my main pick here, but if either side is to win it, it will be a narrow victory, under 2.5 goals looks likely, and can be backed at 1.28.
