NewellsOldBoys — EstudiantesdeLaPlata : Match Preview and Prediction for October 01,2025

Current Crisis at Newell’s

The club is in turmoil, and that’s no exaggeration. What’s happening at “Newell’s” can only be described as a complete crisis. Consider this: the team has had a disastrous September, losing four of their last five matches, including an exit from the Copa Argentina and a defeat in the crucial derby against Rosario Central.

Performance Issues on the Pitch

Their last match against Belgrano perfectly encapsulates their current predicament. A 0-3 defeat saw “Newell’s” accumulate 1.39 xG but fail to score, while their opponents, with a mere 0.46 xG, managed to net three goals. This clearly highlights severe deficiencies in both finishing and defensive solidity.

Institutional Chaos and Fan Trouble

However, the issues extend beyond the football pitch. The club is embroiled in institutional chaos; attempts to reschedule elections have failed, revealing a deep rift within the leadership. To top it all off, just before the match, the leader of their fan group was arrested as part of a major anti-drug trafficking operation. The atmosphere in Rosario is undoubtedly toxic.

Personnel Challenges

Against this backdrop, player personnel issues appear even more critical. Key midfielder Gonzalo Maroni is suspended. Furthermore, the most expensive signing of the last transfer window, Uruguayan Martin Fernandez, acquired for $1.2 million, didn’t even make the squad list for the game. This directly signals profound internal problems.

Statistical Underperformance

The season’s raw statistics only reinforce this bleak picture. “Newell’s” ranks among the league’s lowest in almost all attacking metrics: shots, possession, passes, and counter-attacks. Statistically, they are one of the weakest teams in the championship, and they also concede the most shots from outside the penalty area.

Estudiantes’ Recent Performance

Indeed, Estudiantes was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores. However, the manner of their exit is noteworthy. They succumbed to the formidable Flamengo only after a penalty shootout, having secured a 1-0 victory in the return leg. Eduardo Domínguez’s squad demonstrated their capability to contend on equal terms with continental football giants.

Domestic League Focus

Now, “The Students” are fully concentrating their efforts on the domestic championship. They have a clear objective: a victory in Rosario would propel them to first place in their group. In the last round, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Defensa y Justicia, indicating their match fitness is in good order.

Strong Squad and Intent

It’s also significant that the coaching staff is bringing almost their entire main squad for this away fixture. Lucas Alario, who scored the winning goal in the previous round, is expected to feature in attack. This underscores the team’s serious ambitions.

Head-to-Head Advantage

And now, for the most crucial aspect – their head-to-head record. Estudiantes has been a genuine nightmare for Newell’s. In their previous five direct encounters, Newell’s has failed to win a single match, suffering four defeats, including crushing losses of 1-4 and 3-0. The visitors are well-acquainted with how to play against this opponent.