Estudiantes de la Plata (home)
- Estudiantes are unbeaten in their last six games, including a 4 - 0 Copa Argentina win and a 1 - 1 draw in their opening Apertura 2026 league game at Independiente.
- Estudiantes de la Plata will be looking to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with again when they face Boca Juniors in an early-season Liga Profesional - Apertura 2026 game on Thursday.
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They finished 2025 in fine style, winning four and drawing two of their last six league games while conceding only three times and keeping three clean sheets.
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Recent stats:
- Unbeaten in six.
- Three clean sheets in final six games of 2025.
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Recent stats:
- His philosophy is to play with a compact, well-organized block and spring rapid vertical attacks when the opportunity arises.
- Edwuin Cetré and Tiago Palacios are the dynamic duo who add flair and pace on either wing and were key creators during the late 2025 run.
- Santiago Ascacíbar is the energetic and relentless ball-winner in the middle of the park who gives them bite and his ability to win possession for quick transitions is one of the reasons why they are likely to be a tough nut to crack at home.
Boca Juniors (away)
- Boca Juniors’ form is patchy, with a big 2 - 0 Superclásico win over River in November 2025, but a 1 - 0 defeat to Racing and some inconsistencies late in 2025.
- Claudio Úbeda’s side will try to play their normal game of possession-based soccer and use Leandro Paredes as a midfield maestro to dictate the tempo and switch from defence to attack quickly.
- Exequiel Zeballos and Alan Velasco add pace and unpredictability on the flanks and have both been involved in some key moments, such as Boca’s recent Superclásico victory over River.
- Merentiel is the main striker and has scored some big goals in high-pressure moments, but he also picked up a knock in the 2 - 1 friendly win over Olimpia after the team had played out a 0 - 0 tie with Millonarios.
Head-to-Head
- Their all-time record against Estudiantes (around 115 wins to Estudiantes' 54) is better than against any other opponent in the over 220 meetings they have had in all competitions.
- But the last half-dozen official contests have been much closer, with Boca winning 2 - 1 and 2 - 0 in 2025, while Estudiantes held their own with draws and a penalty shootout win.
- The home side are the slight favorites at 2.32, with Boca at 3.4 and the draw at 2.88, which seems about right given the momentum the home team have and Boca’s potential absences.
Key Players
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Estudiantes:
- Edwuin Cetré and Tiago Palacios are the dynamic duo who add flair and pace on either wing and were key creators during the late 2025 run.
- Santiago Ascacíbar is the energetic and relentless ball-winner in the middle of the park who gives them bite and his ability to win possession for quick transitions is one of the reasons why they are likely to be a tough nut to crack at home.
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Boca Juniors:
- Paredes is the glue that holds it all together; his presence is vital.
- Exequiel Zeballos and Alan Velasco add pace and unpredictability on the flanks and have both been involved in some key moments, such as Boca’s recent Superclásico victory over River.
- Merentiel is the main striker and has scored some big goals in high-pressure moments, but he also picked up a knock in the 2 - 1 friendly win over Olimpia after the team had played out a 0 - 0 tie with Millonarios.
Betting Insights
Backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.4 is the only play that seems to offer value.
Prediction
The likelihood of the game being cagey means a 1 - 1 correct score or a narrow home win is the most likely outcome.
