Defensa y Justicia vs Newell's Old Boys Prediction, Match Preview, August 9th

In the Liga Profesional, Defensa y Justicia will face off against Newell’s Old Boys this Sunday, August 9th. As both teams gear up for this crucial clash, fans and bettors alike will be keenly watching to see how the match unfolds. With both sides looking to secure valuable points, the encounter promises to be a competitive affair.

Although the venue details are yet to be confirmed, the significance of this match in the Liga Profesional cannot be understated. Defensa y Justicia will be aiming to leverage their home advantage, while Newell’s Old Boys will be eager to make their mark away from home. This match is set to provide an intriguing battle between two Argentine teams with much at stake.

Defensa y Justicia vs Newell’s Old Boys Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Defensa y Justicia Draw No Bet	1.7

Given the home advantage and recent form, our recommended betting tip is ‘Draw No Bet’ on Defensa y Justicia. This market offers a refund on the stake if the match ends in a draw, providing both value and safety.

• Defensa y Justicia have a stronger attacking record, scoring 10 goals in their last five matches.
• Newell’s Old Boys have a weakened defence due to the injury of their first-choice goalkeeper Gabriel Arias.
• The head-to-head record favours Defensa y Justicia, who have won three of the last five meetings.

Betting Odds

Defensa y Justicia are tipped as favourites in this clash, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. However, Newell’s Old Boys are not to be underestimated, as their odds suggest potential for an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Defensa y Justicia to win	2.31
Draw	2.97
Newell’s Old Boys to win	3.31

The draw is also a tempting option for punters, given the competitive nature of these encounters. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent matches.

Defensa y Justicia Analysis & Past Performance

Defensa y Justicia have struggled to find consistent form in recent outings, evidenced by their current standing in 19th place. Over the last five matches, the team has managed only one win, a 2-1 victory against Deportivo Riestra, while suffering three defeats, including a heavy 3-0 loss to Estudiantes. Their draw against Aldosivi (1-1) highlights their difficulty in converting performances into wins.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Estudiantes	Defensa y Justicia	3 – 0 (Loss)	Clausura	1 Aug, 2026
Defensa y Justicia	Deportivo Riestra	2 – 1 (Win)	Clausura	29 Jul, 2026
Defensa y Justicia	Aldosivi	1 – 1 (Draw)	Clausura	24 Jul, 2026
Racing Club	Defensa y Justicia	4 – 1 (Loss)	Cup	16 Jul, 2026
Gimnasia Mendoza	Defensa y Justicia	2 – 1 (Loss)	Apertura	4 May, 2026

Recent Form:
The team’s recent form is concerning, with an average of 0.80 goals scored per match in their last five games, while conceding 2.20 goals on average. Defensa y Justicia have not kept a clean sheet in these matches, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. At home, they’ve achieved a slightly better record with a 40% win ratio, but inconsistency still plagues their performances.

Key player David Barbona has been the standout in attack, scoring 2 goals this season. However, the team as a whole has struggled offensively, scoring only 5 goals in their last five games. This lack of firepower is compounded by defensive frailties, as they have conceded 11 goals in the same period, emphasising the need for tactical adjustments to bolster both their defensive and attacking capabilities.

• LWDLL

Defensa y Justicia Suspensions & Injuries

Defensa y Justicia face a minor setback with the absence of David Martínez, who is sidelined due to physical discomfort and expected to return in approximately 1-2 weeks. His absence could slightly impact the team’s defensive solidity, given his role in the squad. However, the team have shown resilience in the past, managing to adapt their tactics to cover such absences effectively.

The defensive line will likely see adjustments, with players like Lucas Souto and Damián Fernández stepping up to fill the void left by Martínez. Both have performed competently in recent fixtures and are expected to maintain the defensive stability that Defensa y Justicia are known for.

Tactically, coach Julio Vaccari may opt for a more conservative approach to compensate for the temporary loss in defence, potentially adjusting the formation to ensure a tight backline. This could also open opportunities for other squad members to showcase their versatility, ensuring a balanced setup against Newell’s Old Boys.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
David Martínez	niggle	About 1-2 weeks

Defensa y Justicia Key Players

Defensa y Justicia will heavily rely on their top scorer, David Barbona, who has netted 2 goals this season. Barbona, positioned in midfield, is crucial not only for his scoring ability but also for his playmaking skills, orchestrating attacks and linking play between the defence and forwards. His vision and technical prowess make him a pivotal figure in breaking down opposition defences.

Another key player is Leandro Fernández, leading the line in attack. Fernández’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to Newell’s Old Boys’ defence. In defence, Damián Fernández anchors the backline, offering stability and composure, which is critical for maintaining a solid defensive structure.

Expected lineup for Defensa y Justicia

• Goalkeeper: Matías Borgogno
• Defence: Ayrton Portillo, Damián Fernández, Samuel Lucero, Máximo Rodríguez
• Midfield: Santiago Sosa, César Pérez, David Barbona
• Forward: Agustín Hausch, Juan Gutiérrez, Leandro Fernández

Defensa y Justicia Tactics and Formation

Defensa y Justicia Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Leandro Fernández
• Midfield Pivot: Santiago Sosa and César Pérez
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent performances
• Notable Strategy: High possession play but struggles in converting chances.

Defensa y Justicia’s tactical approach under Julio Vaccari often utilises a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the game through midfield dominance. Santiago Sosa and César Pérez provide the necessary balance between defence and attack, supporting the team’s possession-based strategy.

Defensively, the backline of Lucas Souto, Damián Fernández, Esteban Lucero, and Máximo Rodríguez has shown vulnerabilities, conceding 11 goals in their last five matches. The absence of clean sheets indicates a need for improved defensive coordination, especially against opponents with strong offensive capabilities.

Offensively, the team relies heavily on Leandro Fernández, supported by creative forces like David Barbona and Juan Gutiérrez. Despite maintaining high possession rates, their recent challenge has been in converting opportunities into goals, as seen in their 0-3 defeat to Estudiantes.

Newell’s Old Boys Analysis & Past Performance

Newell’s Old Boys have experienced a mixed run of form in their recent outings, registering one win, one loss, and three draws in their last five matches. This recent form includes a resilient 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors and a narrow 0-1 loss to Independiente.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Newell’s Old Boys	Boca Juniors	2 – 2 (Draw)	Clausura	2 Aug 2026
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

Recent Form:
Offensively, Newell’s Old Boys have been consistent, scoring an average of 1.00 goals per game in their last five matches. However, their defensive record reveals vulnerabilities, as they have conceded an average of 1.00 goals per match, with only one clean sheet in the same period. Away from home, they have managed to secure two wins, two losses, and one draw out of their last five away fixtures, indicating a win ratio of 40% on the road.

Team Dynamics:

• DLWDD

Newell’s current league standing is 12th, reflecting a mid-table performance with 4 points secured. Their attack, led by Matías Cóccaro, who has netted twice, shows promise, but the team struggles to maintain defensive solidity, which is evident from their average goals conceded. Their ability to score in four out of the last five games suggests an attacking mindset, but they need to bolster their defence to improve their win ratio.

Newell’s Old Boys Suspensions & Injuries

Newell’s Old Boys head into the match against Defensa y Justicia with a few injury concerns that could significantly impact their tactical setup. The absence of Rodrigo Herrera, due to an elbow injury, and Jerónimo Gómez Mattar, sidelined with a strain injury, will leave gaps in the squad. Walter Núñez, suffering from an ankle injury, is also unavailable until mid-August. These injuries might force coach Frank Kudelka to adjust his strategy and rely on less experienced players to fill these roles.

The tactical impact is particularly felt in the midfield and defensive lines. Without Herrera and Núñez, Kudelka might have to reshuffle his defensive setup, potentially moving Franco Escobar into a more central role. In the midfield, the absence of Gómez Mattar could see David Sotelo stepping up, but the lack of depth could be a concern against a dynamic opponent.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Herrera	elbow injury	Late August 2026
Jerónimo Gómez Mattar	strain injury	About 1-2 weeks
Walter Núñez	ankle injury	Mid August 2026

These absences could sway betting markets, as Newell’s Old Boys might struggle to maintain their defensive solidity and midfield control. The return of these players is eagerly anticipated, as their presence will be crucial for the team’s balance and performance in upcoming fixtures.

Newell’s Old Boys Key Players

Newell’s Old Boys will be relying heavily on their top scorer, Matías Cóccaro, who has found the net twice this season. Cóccaro, leading the attack, is known for his sharp finishing and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. His partnership with Thomas Ríos up front could be a decisive factor in breaking down Defensa y Justicia’s defence. In midfield, David Sotelo and Luca Regiardo will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and providing the creative spark needed to unlock the opposition’s backline.

Defensively, Franco Escobar and Lautaro Giannetti form a solid partnership, tasked with the critical role of keeping the opposition’s forwards in check. Their strength in aerial duels and tactical awareness will be essential in maintaining a robust defensive line. The interplay between these key players is expected to shape Newell’s tactical approach, focusing on a balanced game plan that combines solid defence with swift counter-attacks.

Expected lineup for Newell’s Old Boys

• Goalkeeper: Josué Reinatti
• Defenders: Franco Escobar, Nicolás Goitea, Lautaro Giannetti, Jerónimo Russo
• Midfielders: David Sotelo, Luca Regiardo, Facundo Guch
• Forwards: Walter Mazzantti, Thomas Ríos, Matías Cóccaro

Newell’s Old Boys Tactics and Formation

Newell’s Old Boys Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Matías Cóccaro
• Midfield Engine: David Sotelo and Luca Regiardo
• Defensive Solidity: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive structure with counter-attacking intentions.

Newell’s Old Boys often deploy a 4-5-1 formation, which provides them with a solid defensive base while allowing flexibility in transition. Matías Cóccaro, the team’s top scorer, plays as the lone forward, using his physical presence to hold up play and link with midfield runners.

In midfield, David Sotelo and Luca Regiardo are pivotal, tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating counter-attacks. Their ability to cover ground and distribute effectively is crucial for Newell’s Old Boys’ strategy, particularly against teams that dominate possession.

Defensively, the backline of Franco Escobar, Nicolás Goitea, Lautaro Giannetti, and Jerónimo Russo is tasked with maintaining a compact shape. While they have only achieved one clean sheet in their last five games, their resilience under pressure has been notable, especially in the 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors.

Defensa y Justicia vs Newell’s Old Boys H2H Record

Defensa y Justicia and Newell’s Old Boys have faced off 19 times, with Defensa y Justicia leading the head-to-head record with 11 wins compared to Newell’s 6, and 2 matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter saw Defensa y Justicia triumph 3-2 away in the Liga Profesional Apertura earlier this year.

The last time Defensa y Justicia hosted Newell’s Old Boys in the Liga Profesional, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Historically, Defensa y Justicia have been strong at home, winning the majority of their matches against Newell’s in front of their fans.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Newell’s Old Boys	Defensa y Justicia	2 – 3	Liga Profesional Opening	2026-02-08
Defensa y Justicia	Newell’s Old Boys	1 – 1	Liga Profesional Closing	2025-08-17
Defensa y Justicia	Newell’s Old Boys	0 – 2	Cup	2025-05-23
Newell’s Old Boys	Defensa y Justicia	0 – 1	Liga Profesional Opening	2025-02-12
Newell’s Old Boys	Defensa y Justicia	1 – 0	Liga Profesional	2024-05-25