Preview: Atlético Tucumán Reserves vs. Vélez Sársfield Reserves

TUCUMÁN, Argentina (Interstat) — A struggling Atlético Tucumán reserve side hosts a Vélez Sársfield reserve team desperate to reverse its fortunes when the Argentine Reserve League continues Thursday.

The Week 8 matchup at Atlético Tucumán’s training ground comes with both clubs mired in poor form. The statistical models, however, heavily favor the visitors.

Interstat’s ELO rating system gives Vélez Sársfield Reserves a 93.10 percent probability of victory. The organization’s game simulator projects a narrow 1-0 win for the side from Buenos Aires.

Vélez (full name Vélez Sársfield) arrives having lost three consecutive matches, all by one goal. Its most recent result was a 3-1 defeat at Argentinos Juniors Reserves on Jan. 13. Preceding losses were a 1-0 home defeat to Huracán Reserves on Jan. 10 and a 2-1 home loss to Belgrano de Córdoba Reserves on Jan. 8.

The host Atlético Tucumán Reserves have also lost two straight. They fell 2-1 at Godoy Cruz Reserves on Jan. 14 and opened their season with a 2-1 home loss to Lanús Reserves on Jan. 4.

The match is the final fixture for both clubs until deep into the southern hemisphere autumn. Vélez’s next scheduled reserve league game is not until Feb. 21 at home against Rosario Central Reserves. Atlético Tucumán’s reserve side is not slated to play again until April 5, when it hosts Banfield Reserves.

The extended break will follow this crucial encounter for momentum. A victory for Vélez would validate the statistical forecasts and halt its skid. For Atlético Tucumán, an upset would provide a significant boost ahead of the long layoff.

Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday afternoon local time.