The fourth round of the Argentine Apertura brings an intriguing clash at the Marcelo Bielsa Stadium, where Newell’s Old Boys host Defensa y Justicia. The home side are desperate to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing start to the campaign, while the visitors aim to maintain their unbeaten run and consolidate their position near the top of the table. Both teams arrive with contrasting momentum, and the encounter promises to be a tactical battle defined by defensive discipline and efficiency in front of goal.

Newell’s Old Boys: Searching for a Breakthrough

Newell’s Old Boys have endured a difficult beginning to the season, sitting 15th in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol standings. Their record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats reflects a side struggling to find rhythm. The most recent setback came in a 2-0 loss against Boca Juniors on February 1, 2026, a result that extended their winless streak to four matches across all competitions. Offensively, they have averaged just 0.7 goals per game while conceding 1.7, underlining their current imbalance between attack and defense.

At home, the “Lepra” have been involved in low-scoring affairs. In fact, Under 3.5 goals have been recorded in 17 of their last 18 home matches in the league, and they have failed to lead at halftime in 20 of their last 21 games. These numbers suggest a cautious approach and difficulties in breaking down opponents early. The absence of several key players, including defender Alejo Montero, further complicates their task. Despite these challenges, the Rosario-based side will rely on their home support to spark a much-needed reaction.

Defensa y Justicia: Consistent and Compact

Defensa y Justicia enter this fixture in far better shape, currently 7th in the table after collecting 1 win and 2 draws from their opening three matches. Their latest outing ended in a 0-0 draw against Estudiantes on February 2, 2026, extending their unbeaten start to the campaign. The “Halcón de Varela” have built their early success on defensive solidity, conceding no goals so far this season and averaging 0.3 goals scored per match.

However, their away form remains a concern. The visitors have won only 2 of their last 10 away games, often struggling to convert chances on the road. Still, their matches tend to be tight: Under 3.5 goals have been recorded in 22 of their last 23 fixtures, and Under 0.5 goals in 2 of their last 10 away games. Missing several players, including defender David Martínez, Defensa y Justicia will once again rely on their structured defensive setup to frustrate the hosts and look for opportunities on the counterattack.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

Recent meetings between these sides have been evenly balanced. In their last five encounters, both teams have recorded 2 wins and 1 draw, with an average of 0.8 goals scored by Newell’s and 0.6 conceded. The most recent clash ended 1-1 on August 17, 2025, a result that reflects the typically tight nature of this fixture. Given both teams’ current scoring struggles and defensive tendencies, another low-scoring contest appears likely.

Newell’s will aim to control possession and push forward through short combinations, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third could again prove costly. Defensa y Justicia, on the other hand, are expected to maintain their compact shape, absorb pressure, and exploit spaces on the break. With both sides missing key defenders, concentration and set-piece execution could be decisive factors.

BetMines Prediction and Final Analysis

All indicators point toward a cautious and evenly matched encounter. Both teams have shown a clear trend toward low-scoring games, with Under 3.5 goals consistently appearing in their recent records. Newell’s need a win to climb out of the lower positions, but their lack of attacking efficiency and multiple absences make that task difficult. Defensa y Justicia’s defensive consistency gives them a slight edge, though their limited scoring output away from home suggests a tight affair.

BetMines prediction: Under 2.5 goals with a 62% probability.