Velez Sarsfield vs Gimnasia LP Prediction: Can Gimnasia Start Well?

In the upcoming fixture of the Argentine Primera Division, Matchday 1, Velez Sarsfield will take on Gimnasia LP at the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires. Going in the matchup and starting the Primera Division season 2023, both sides will look to use the depth of their squad and maximize the game strengths to their best potential. 

Taking stats from the recent 12 matches played between the two sides, both teams have won (4-4), with 4 matches ending in a draw. In 3 of 12 games, the game total was recorded over 2.5 goals, hence, the upcoming fixture is likely to have a variable total goals score. Gimnasia LP has won 50% of the last 12 games with a clean sheet. In the previous season, Gimnasia LP finished 7th, whereas Velez Sarsfield stood 14th.

Going in the matchup, Velez leads the overall stats, with 17 wins in 38 matches played between the two, however, the stats and numbers from the recent 8 games favor the away side. Velez has scored about 58 goals at an average of 1.53 goals per game against Gimnasia LP. Moreover, Velez Sarsfield’s home goal-scoring average is 1.83 goals per game. Certainly, the home side had a better average at home in the previous season, and the same is expected to follow in the ongoing season of the Liga Professional. In the previous season, Velez lacked a genuine goal scorer and a sublime attacker.

Until the phase 1 of the previous Argentina Primera Division, Gimnasia LP was performing quite well, ticking the charts, and pleasing the directors. However, the overall poor performance led to changes in the side. Sebastian Romero has taken on the responsibility of the side, and is likely to make amends where needed. For the upcoming opening game, Gimnaisa will be missing Cristian Alberto Tarragona, who is suffering from Cruciate ligament injury. Gimnasia has scored 43 goals at an average of 1.13 against Velez. However, it's quite early to relate stats, but Gimnasia is likely to struggle in the opening game.

Evaluating the team resources and the previous goal scoring averages of the two, Velez are well ahead in terms of the head-to-head statistics. Moreover, the game total is also expected to be over 2.5 goals. I am predicting Velez to win the opener, and score over 2 goals. If Gimnasia LP scores an equalizer early in the contest, we might be settling for a draw.

• Velez Sarsfield to Win for 2.00
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.672
• Correct Score 1-0 for 5.5