Newell's Old Boys vs Boca Juniors Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, August 2nd

In the Liga Profesional, Newell’s Old Boys will face Boca Juniors on Sunday, August 2nd. This match is set to take place with Newell’s Old Boys as the hosts, although the exact venue remains unspecified. Both teams are well-known in Argentine football, and their encounters often bring a competitive edge that fans eagerly anticipate.

Newell’s Old Boys will be aiming to leverage their home advantage against Boca Juniors, a team with a strong track record in the league. As these two Argentine giants clash, the match promises to be a significant event in the Liga Profesional, potentially impacting the standings and momentum for both sides. Fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how this encounter unfolds, with both teams having much to play for.

Newell’s Old Boys vs Boca Juniors Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Boca Juniors to Win or Draw (Double Chance)	1.6

Boca Juniors have a strong edge going into this match despite their injury concerns. Our recommended betting tip is Boca Juniors on the double chance, which means betting on Boca Juniors to either win or draw. This recommendation is based on the team’s superior head-to-head record and Newell’s Old Boys’ struggle to convert home advantage into clear victories.

• Boca Juniors have won four of the last five encounters against Newell’s Old Boys, showing a clear psychological and tactical edge.
• Newell’s Old Boys have not lost in seven consecutive matches, but many of these were draws, indicating their challenges in securing decisive wins.
• Newell’s Old Boys concede an average of 1.6 goals per game this season, which could be exploited by Boca Juniors’ depth, even with their injury issues.

Betting Odds

In this Argentine Liga Profesional clash, Boca Juniors come in as the favourites with odds of 2.06, while Newell’s Old Boys are priced at 3.73. The draw is set at 3.08, suggesting a closely contested match is expected.

Betting Tip	Odds
Newell’s Old Boys to win	3.73
Draw	3.08
Boca Juniors to win	2.06

For those looking to place a bet, keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent fixtures. Boca’s away form could be a decisive factor, making their odds particularly tempting.

Newell’s Old Boys Analysis & Past Performance

Newell’s Old Boys currently find themselves in a mid-table position in the Liga Profesional standings, sitting at 17th place. Over their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss, giving them a win ratio of 40% during this period. Their recent form shows some promise, with victories against Talleres (1-0) and Unión (2-3), indicating their ability to secure crucial points both at home and away.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Independiente	Newell’s Old Boys	1 – 0 (Loss)	Clausura	31 Jul, 2026
Newell’s Old Boys	Talleres	1 – 0 (Win)	Clausura	25 Jul, 2026
Vélez Sarsfield	Newell’s Old Boys	1 – 1 (Draw)	Apertura	4 May, 2026
Newell’s Old Boys	Instituto	1 – 1 (Draw)	Apertura	26 Apr, 2026
Unión	Newell’s Old Boys	2 – 3 (Win)	Apertura	17 Apr, 2026

Recent Form:
In terms of goals, Newell’s Old Boys have averaged 1.20 goals per match in their last five games, while conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match. They have managed one clean sheet during this period, highlighting a slight vulnerability in defence. Despite this, they have scored in four out of their last five matches, demonstrating a consistent offensive presence.

Newell’s Old Boys’ home performances have been relatively resilient, with a record of two wins and three draws in their last five home fixtures, reflecting an undefeated home streak. However, their defensive solidity remains a concern, as they conceded in four of these matches. With a home win ratio of 40%, their home ground advantage could play a key role in their upcoming fixtures.

• LWDDW

Newell’s Old Boys Suspensions & Injuries

Newell’s Old Boys face significant challenges with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Rodrigo Herrera’s elbow injury keeps him out until late August, impacting the team’s defensive options. The absence of Martín Ortega, Marcelo Esponda, and Jerónimo Gómez Mattar, each sidelined with muscle-related injuries for the next 1-2 weeks, further limits the midfield depth. Walter Núñez, who is nursing an ankle injury, is expected to return by mid-August, leaving the team’s forward line slightly weakened.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Herrera	elbow injury	Late August 2026
Martín Ortega	muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Marcelo Esponda	muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Jerónimo Gómez Mattar	strain injury	About 1-2 weeks
Walter Mazzantti	unknown	Doubtful
Walter Núñez	ankle injury	Mid August 2026

Walter Mazzantti’s uncertain status due to an unspecified injury could force Frank Kudelka to explore alternative midfield combinations. In his absence, players like David Sotelo and Luca Regiardo might be called upon to fill the void, though neither offers the same dynamic presence that Mazzantti brings to the pitch.

With these injuries affecting core areas of the squad, Newell’s Old Boys might have to adjust their tactical approach. A more conservative formation could be adopted to mitigate the loss of key players, focusing on a solid defensive setup to counter Boca Juniors’ attacking threats.

These absences could influence betting markets, potentially shifting odds in favour of Boca Juniors. The missing players may affect Newell’s Old Boys’ ability to control the midfield and maintain their usual tempo, which could be pivotal against a strong opponent.

Newell’s Old Boys Key Players

Matías Cóccaro stands out as Newell’s Old Boys’ top scorer, having netted 1 goal so far. His role as a forward is pivotal in spearheading the team’s attack, offering a combination of physical strength and technical ability to break down Boca Juniors’ defence. Cóccaro’s knack for finding the back of the net will be crucial in this encounter, as his goal-scoring prowess can tilt the balance in favour of Newell’s.

In midfield, Alan Soñora is expected to be a key playmaker, orchestrating the game with his vision and passing accuracy. Soñora’s ability to control the tempo and provide incisive passes could unlock Boca Juniors’ defence. Defensively, Lautaro Giannetti’s leadership and aerial strength are vital for maintaining solidity at the back. His partnership with Bruno Cabrera will be essential in thwarting Boca’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Newell’s Old Boys

• Goalkeeper: Josué Reinatti
• Defenders: Franco Escobar, Bruno Cabrera, Lautaro Giannetti, Martín Luciano
• Midfielders: David Sotelo, Luca Regiardo, Alan Soñora
• Forwards: Facundo Guch, Thomas Ríos, Ignacio Ramírez

Newell’s Old Boys Tactics and Formation

Newell’s Old Boys Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-1-1
• Key Forward: Ignacio Ramírez
• Midfield Strength: Walter Mazzantti and Facundo Samuel Guch
• Defensive Structure: Franco Escobar and Bruno Cabrera
• Recent Performance: Conceded once in the last match and struggled offensively.

In their recent outings, Newell’s Old Boys have favoured a 4-4-1-1 formation under coach Frank Kudelka. This setup aims to provide a solid defensive base while maintaining flexibility in attack. Ignacio Ramírez, as the lone forward, is expected to spearhead the attack, supported by the creative presence of Walter Núñez just behind him.

Defensively, the team relies on the central partnership of Franco Escobar and Bruno Cabrera. Despite their efforts, they have only managed one clean sheet in the last five matches, highlighting some vulnerabilities at the back which need addressing.

Offensively, the midfield duo of Walter Mazzantti and Facundo Samuel Guch is crucial for ball distribution and transition play. However, the team has struggled to convert opportunities, as evidenced by only two shots in their last game against Independiente.

Boca Juniors Analysis & Past Performance

Boca Juniors have shown some inconsistency in their recent performances. In their last five matches, they have secured two wins, suffered two losses, and drawn once. This includes a high-scoring 4-4 draw against O’Higgins in the Copa Sudamericana. Their ability to score is evident, averaging 1.40 goals per game, yet they struggle defensively with an average of 1.60 goals conceded.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
O’Higgins	Boca Juniors	N/A	Copa Sudamericana Knockout Stage	31 Jul, 2026
Deportivo Riestra	Boca Juniors	3 – 0 (Loss)	Clausura	26 Jul, 2026
Boca Juniors	O’Higgins	1 – 0 (Win)	Copa Sudamericana Knockout Stage	24 Jul, 2026
Sarmiento	Boca Juniors	0 – 2 (Win)	Cup	17 Jul, 2026
Boca Juniors	Universidad Católica	0 – 1 (Loss)	Copa Libertadores Group D	29 May, 2026

Recent Form:

• DLWWL

The team has experienced mixed results on the road, having won two out of their last five away matches while drawing one and losing two. Their away form is slightly better with a win ratio of 0.40. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, as they have kept only two clean sheets in their last five games. Their defensive solidity is further questioned by the 0-3 defeat against Deportivo Riestra, where they conceded three without reply despite dominating possession with 82%.

Boca Juniors Suspensions & Injuries

Boca Juniors face a challenging situation heading into their match against Newell’s Old Boys, with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Rodrigo Battaglia and Tomás Belmonte, both crucial to the midfield, are sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury and a sprained ankle, respectively, and are expected to return in early August. This absence is likely to force coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena to shuffle his midfield options, potentially bringing in less experienced players to fill the gap.

Agustín Marchesín’s long-term cruciate ligament injury continues to be a setback for Boca Juniors, impacting their defensive stability. His leadership and experience between the posts will be sorely missed, and it’s crucial for the backup goalkeeper to step up in his absence. Meanwhile, Carlos Palacios’s muscle injury, expected to sideline him for 1-2 weeks, reduces the attacking options available.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Battaglia	Achilles tendon injury	Early August 2026
Agustín Marchesín	cruciate ligament injury	Late December 2026
Adam Bareiro	back injury	Late August 2026
Tomás Belmonte	sprained ankle	Early August 2026
Carlos Palacios	muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks

The tactical impact of these absences is significant, as Boca Juniors may be forced to adopt a more conservative approach to compensate for the lack of depth in midfield and attack. The potential reliance on younger, less experienced players could also influence betting markets, possibly making Boca Juniors less favoured against Newell’s Old Boys. The team’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial in determining their performance in this upcoming fixture.

Boca Juniors Key Players

Boca Juniors’ attacking prowess is expected to be spearheaded by Sebastián Villa and Miguel Merentiel. Villa, known for his pace and ability to exploit spaces on the wing, is a crucial component of Boca’s offensive setup. His partnership with Merentiel, who is adept at finding goal-scoring opportunities, will be pivotal in breaking down Newell’s Old Boys’ defence. Merentiel’s ability to hold up play and link with the midfield could provide Boca with the tactical edge they need.

The midfield duo of Leandro Paredes and Santiago Ascacíbar will be instrumental in controlling the game’s tempo. Paredes’ vision and passing range can unlock defences, while Ascacíbar’s tenacity and defensive work rate provide much-needed balance. At the back, the presence of Jorge Nicolás Figal is vital as his defensive acumen and leadership will be key to maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for Boca Juniors:

• Goalkeeper: Álvaro Montero
• Defence: Leandro Lozano, Jorge Nicolás Figal, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco
• Midfield: Milton Delgado, Leandro Paredes, Santiago Ascacíbar, Tomás Aranda
• Forward: Sebastián Villa, Miguel Merentiel

Boca Juniors Tactics and Formation

Boca Juniors Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Miguel Merentiel
• Midfield Engine: Leandro Paredes and Santiago Ascacíbar
• Defensive Structure: Jorge Figal and Ayrton Costa in central defence
• Notable Strategy: Strong midfield pressing and quick transitions.

Boca Juniors are likely to set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, focusing on a strong midfield presence. Leandro Paredes and Santiago Ascacíbar are expected to control the tempo from the midfield, offering both defensive cover and creative outlets. This setup allows them to press high and disrupt the opposition’s build-up play.

Defensively, Boca Juniors rely on the central defensive pairing of Jorge Figal and Ayrton Costa to provide stability. Despite conceding four goals in their recent draw against O’Higgins, they have shown the ability to maintain clean sheets, which will be crucial against Newell’s Old Boys.

Offensively, Miguel Merentiel leads the line, supported by the dynamic runs of Sebastián Villa. Boca Juniors aim to exploit the flanks, using quick transitions to catch the opposition off guard. Their recent performances suggest they can be vulnerable to counterattacks, so maintaining defensive discipline will be vital.

Newell’s Old Boys vs Boca Juniors H2H Record

In the head-to-head record between Newell’s Old Boys and Boca Juniors, Boca have the upper hand with 24 wins compared to Newell’s 13, alongside 13 draws. The last encounter saw Boca Juniors secure a 2-0 victory at home in the Liga Profesional Apertura earlier this year.

The last time these two met at Newell’s Old Boys’ ground, it was a mixed bag for the hosts, as they managed a 2-0 win in March 2025 but suffered a 0-1 defeat in December 2024. Boca’s away form has been formidable, but Newell’s have shown they can hold their own at home.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Boca Juniors	Newell’s Old Boys	2 – 0	Liga Profesional Apertura	2026-02-01
Boca Juniors	Newell’s Old Boys	5 – 0	Liga Profesional Clausura	2025-10-05
Newell’s Old Boys	Boca Juniors	2 – 0	Liga Profesional Apertura	2025-03-30
Newell’s Old Boys	Boca Juniors	0 – 1	Liga Profesional	2024-12-09
Newell’s Old Boys	Boca Juniors	1 – 3	Copa de la Liga Profesional	2024-04-06