11 points each, but Rosario Central hold the home advantage

A home advantage that could shape the table

Rosario Central welcome Newells Old Boys to Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on Sunday, September 6, with both teams carrying 11 points from their first seven Clausura matches. Central sit seventh in Group B, while Newells are fifth in Group A, making this an important opportunity for either side to strengthen its position in the early round-eight race.

The hosts enter with a mixed but competitive recent sequence. Their last five results are a draw, two wins and two losses, while Newells have taken two draws and suffered three defeats in their last five. That contrast gives Rosario Central the clearer momentum, although neither team has established consistent control of its campaign yet.

Central’s home record offers the clearest edge

Rosario Central’s home numbers provide a strong foundation. They have won seven, drawn three and lost three of their 13 home matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding 12. Their average of 1.40 goals scored per home game compares favourably with Newells’ away output of 0.90 goals per match.

The visitors’ away record is more vulnerable: two wins, three draws and six losses, with 20 goals conceded and only 10 scored. Newells have kept just one clean sheet on the road, while Central have recorded three at home. Those figures may encourage the hosts to take initiative, especially with the chance to move above their current seventh-place standing.

A familiar formation matchup

Both sides most frequently use a 4-2-3-1, so the midfield structure and the space between the lines could be central to the contest. Rosario Central have selected that shape in 18 matches, compared with 14 for Newells Old Boys. The common setup should create a direct tactical comparison, with each team likely to have two holding midfielders supporting a three-player attacking line behind the striker.

Central have also shown greater variety, using 4-3-2-1 twice and several three- or four-man alternatives. Newells have mainly stayed with 4-2-3-1, but have also used 4-3-3 four times. The hosts’ broader range could help them alter the match if the opening plan fails, while Newells may prioritise the familiarity of their most-used system.

Di María carries Central’s standout threat

Á. Di María is the clearest individual attacking reference in the available numbers, with seven goals and four assists in 20 league appearances for Rosario Central. His contribution gives the home side an important source of both finishing and creation. Newells’ threat must instead come collectively, with no individual scorer figures supplied for the visitors.

Prediction

Rosario Central 2-1 Newells Old Boys. Central’s stronger home record, superior recent momentum and Di María’s proven production should give them the narrow advantage, though Newells’ equal points total makes a close contest likely.