Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the fixtures in the next round of the Argentine Cup will take place on Thursday at a neutral venue, where Lanús and Vélez Sarsfield go head-to-head. Here’s a bet suggestion for this clash with solid winning potential.
Match preview
Lanús kicked off their Argentine Cup campaign in dominant fashion, thrashing General Lamadrid 4-0 in the Round of 32. The team left their opponents with no chance, showcasing aggressive attacking football and clinical finishing — scoring twice in each half, a testament to their consistency and structure.
Ricardo Zielinski’s men, it must be said, look solid over the long haul: just two defeats in their last 16 matches underscore their strong form and organization. However, it's important to note that their first-round opponent was clearly of a lower caliber, and now Lanús faces a much tougher challenge. Crucially, the team plays with authority, especially at home, where they feel comfortable. In their last 10 home matches, Lanús are unbeaten, racking up six victories in that span.
Vélez Sarsfield began their Cup journey with a hard-fought win over Ferrocarril Midland — a tense, low-scoring affair decided by a converted penalty in the 78th minute. Such a scenario points to difficulties in creating scoring opportunities, especially against compact, deep-defending teams. Still, the fact that Vélez managed to get the result even when their play wasn’t clicking speaks volumes about their character.
Vélez’s form remains questionable — one win, one draw, and one defeat in their last three outings make it tough to call them consistent. Away from home, the club has managed just three wins and six losses in their last 10 matches. Nonetheless, the head-to-head history is on their side: 62 wins versus 32 for Lanús all-time. That historical edge and their cup experience could tip the scales in the visitors’ favor in this encounter.
Probable lineups
- Lanús: Losada, Cardozo, De Jesus, Muñoz, Ontivero, Medina, Ramirez, Segovia, Rodriguez, Aquino, Canelo
- Vélez Sarsfield: Marchiori – Lagos, Mammana, Gomez, Gomez – Ordoñez, Baeza, Bouzat – Carrizo, Romero, Machuca
Match facts and head-to-head
- The last two meetings between these teams ended in a 0-0 draw
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet landed in two of the last five encounters
- The "Both teams to score" option paid out in two of the last five matches
Prediction
Given the tournament format and the cautious style both sides display in high-stakes matches, expect a tight, territorial battle. Lanús look the more convincing side thanks to their form and strong start, but Vélez won’t go down without a fight. Our pick: Lanús to win with a (0) handicap at 1.60 odds.
