Newell’s Old Boys will host Unión de Santa Fe at the Marcelo Bielsa Stadium on Friday night in a crucial Round 14 fixture of the Argentine Torneo Clausura. The match kicks off at 21:15 (Buenos Aires time) and comes at a delicate moment for the home side, who are struggling to find form and stability after the departure of their coach. With only a few rounds left, both teams have plenty at stake — Newell’s fighting to avoid relegation and Unión chasing a top-four finish.

Newell’s Old Boys: Form and Key Statistics

The Rosario-based side are enduring a tough spell, having gone five matches without a win. Their recent run includes defeats to Belgrano, Boca Juniors, and Argentinos Juniors, plus draws against Estudiantes de La Plata and Tigre. The latest setback, a 3-1 loss to Argentinos Juniors on October 18, further deepened their crisis. Currently sitting 14th in the Liga Profesional and 24th in the annual table, Newell’s are just six points above the relegation zone with nine still to play for. Their survival hopes are hanging by a thread.

Statistically, the “Lepra” have struggled at both ends of the pitch. Over their last five games, they have averaged 0.6 goals scored and 2.6 conceded. Across the season, their record stands at 7 wins, 9 draws, and 13 defeats, with an average of 0.8 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match. The Marcelo Bielsa Stadium has not been the fortress they hoped for, though it has seen relatively low-scoring encounters — Under 3.5 goals have been recorded in 16 of their last 17 home matches in the league. Moreover, Newell’s have not led at half-time in their last 15 matches and have drawn the first half in six consecutive home games. These numbers highlight a team that often starts cautiously but struggles to impose itself as matches progress.

The departure of coach Fabbiani was meant to ease internal pressure, yet the team’s performances remain inconsistent. With only one victory in their last 12 league appearances, Newell’s must rediscover their attacking rhythm quickly if they are to avoid a tense end to the season. The home crowd will expect a reaction, but confidence is fragile, and defensive lapses have become a recurring issue.

Unión de Santa Fe: Form and Key Statistics

Unión arrive in Rosario in far better shape, though their recent form has also been uneven. The “Tatengue” bounced back from defeats to Central Córdoba and Aldosivi with a convincing 3-0 win over Defensa y Justicia on October 21. That victory lifted them to fourth place in the Liga Profesional standings and restored some momentum after collecting just three points from their previous nine available. Their away form has been particularly impressive — three wins in their last five away matches, scoring 11 goals in that span, an average of over two per game, which is among the best in the division.

Over the course of the season, Unión have registered 8 wins, 10 draws, and 10 losses, averaging 1.1 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match. Their defensive structure has been solid, and they have shown the ability to strike efficiently on the counterattack. However, some inconsistency remains, especially when facing teams desperate for points. Despite their strong away record, Unión have also been involved in several low-scoring encounters, with Under 0.5 goals appearing in four of their last twelve away games.

Coach Kily González has managed to instill a more aggressive approach in the final third, with his side often pressing high and exploiting spaces on the wings. The team’s recent improvement in attack has been key to their climb up the table, though maintaining that intensity away from home will be crucial against a Newell’s side fighting for survival.

Newell’s Old Boys vs Unión de Santa Fe: Tactical Overview and Prediction

Historically, this fixture has been balanced. The last five head-to-head meetings have produced one win each and three draws, with both teams averaging 1.2 goals scored per match. Their most recent encounter ended 1-1 on April 19, 2025, a result that reflected the even nature of their contests. Given Newell’s current struggles and Unión’s solid away form, another tight match could be on the cards.

Newell’s will likely focus on defensive organization and look to regain confidence through a compact setup, while Unión are expected to take more initiative, especially given their recent scoring record on the road. The visitors’ attacking momentum contrasts with the hosts’ lack of creativity, suggesting that Unión could have the upper hand in open play. However, the overall trend of low-scoring matches involving Newell’s — with Under 3.5 goals in 27 of their last 29 league games — cannot be ignored.

Both sides have clear motivations: Newell’s need points to stay clear of relegation, and Unión are chasing a top-four finish that could lead to continental qualification. The intensity should be high, but the outcome may hinge on which team can convert limited chances into goals.

BetMines Prediction:
The most likely outcome is Under 2.5 goals with a 62% probability. A cautious and tactical battle is expected, with few clear chances and both defenses likely to play a decisive role.