Rosario’s Estadio Dr. Lisandro de la Torre sets the stage for an intriguing Apertura Group B clash in the Argentine Primera Division 2026 as Rosario Central, guided by Jorge Almirón, hosts Facundo Sava’s Sarmiento Junin. This match, kicking off on 20 April 2026 at 01:30 CEST, is crucial for both squads as they jostle for a higher finish in the group phase. Rosario Central sits in sixth with 18 points from 11 matches, showing competitive form, while Sarmiento Junin, positioned tenth with 16 points, will look to build on an uptick in away results.
Alejo Veliz and Junior Marabel stand out among the attacking options, each providing their sides with a crucial cutting edge in the final third. The midfield battle, however, promises equal intrigue, with both teams deploying versatile lines in their respective 4-2-3-1 setups.
Hot stat: In their last five matches, Rosario Central attempted 78 shots, nearly double Sarmiento Junin’s tally (38), highlighting their attacking intent at home—yet, both sides share a similar win rate in those matches (Central: 40 percent, Sarmiento: 60 percent).
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Rosario Central vs Sarmiento Junin predictions
My best bet: Rosario Central to win. The home side enters the match with superior underlying metrics—dominating in shots (78 in their last five), higher ball progression, and a home advantage that has historically tilted this fixture in their favour. Sarmiento Junin’s resilience on the road shouldn’t be underestimated, especially given their recent win streak, but Central’s offensive output partnered with a technical midfield should see them creating—and likely converting—the lion’s share of high-quality chances.
Both teams favour a controlled, technically-driven brand of play in a 4-2-3-1 system. Rosario Central’s style prioritizes territorial dominance, reflected by their 2399 passes in the last five matches with an impressive collective 85 percent accuracy. Sarmiento Junin, with noticeably fewer passes (1072) and lower accuracy, tend to rely on quick transitions and individual match-winners like Marabel. Disciplinary records for both are moderate—Central (12 yellow cards) and Sarmiento (11)—but Sarmiento’s one red card highlights a risk of losing composure under pressure. Ball retention and discipline will be pivotal in shaping this outcome.
Prop picks by me:
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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Rosario Central vs Sarmiento Junin Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Rosario Central | Sarmiento Junin |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 5 | 2 |
| Total shots | 24 | 15 |
| Free kicks | 18 | 12 |
| Corner kicks | 9 | 6 |
| Total fouls | 25 | 26 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 78 |
| Interceptions | 17 | 14 |
| Offsides | 4 | 3 |
Recent meetings between Rosario Central and Sarmiento Junin have followed a similar script: Central’s proactive attacking phase and marginally superior passing accuracy have complemented a defensive structure that often frustrates Sarmiento’s forward line. Sarmiento, meanwhile, has relied on sporadic chances and set pieces but has struggled to nullify Central’s attacking flow, especially in Rosario.
🚨Read our full Rosario Central vs Sarmiento Junin stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Rosario Central averages 15.6 shots per match in the last five, league top 5.
- Sarmiento Junin scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches with an efficient 16 percent conversion rate.
- Both clubs average just over 2 yellow cards per game, indicating disciplined yet combative football.
- Central’s passing volume (over 2000 passes in 5 matches) indicates a possession-leaning style.
- Sarmiento Junin has only one draw in their last 10 matches, often playing to win or lose rather than draw.
Rosario Central vs Sarmiento Junin score prediction: 2-0
Expect Rosario Central’s attack, led by Veliz and Copetti, to unlock Sarmiento’s back line at least once each half, while a technically sound midfield remains the engine of sustained dominance. Sarmiento Junin may pose threats on the break, yet Central’s superior possession and defensive structure should be enough to keep a clean sheet at home.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Rosario Central the favourite
| Moneyline | Rosario Central 1.49 | Sarmiento Junin 7.10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 4.00 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.30 | Under 2.5 1.64 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.18 | No 1.60 | |
The odds strongly favour Rosario Central at home, reflecting both historical performance and recent shot metrics. Sarmiento Junin is a considerable outsider, mirroring their goal-scoring struggles and lack of draws this campaign. The under 2.5 total goals market is notably short, signifying expectations of a defensively managed game with occasional quality breakthroughs rather than an open contest.
Rosario Central vs Sarmiento Junin Over/Under Analysis
- Four of Central’s last five matches finished with under 2.5 goals.
- Sarmiento Junin has only twice surpassed the over 2.5 mark in their last ten outings.
- Both teams prioritize defensive solidity, especially in opening periods, often leading to tight halftime scorelines.
Rosario Central Preview
Rosario Central’s recent form is mixed but trending positively after a narrow victory over Libertad Asuncion. This result, where Central dominated possession and fired 16 shots, underlines their attacking emphasis at home. Though they have conceded three goals to Huracan and dropped points against Independiente Rivadavia, their tactical organization and midfield control have kept most matches within reach. Defensive improvements and consistent attacking output position them as favourites in this tie.

Rosario Central possible starting eleven
- GK: Jorge Broun
- DF: Carlos Quintana, Gaston Avila, Emanuel Coronel, Alexis Soto
- MF: Franco Ibarra, Enzo Giménez, Vicente Pizarro, Jaminton Campaz
- FW: Alejo Veliz, Enzo Copetti
Sarmiento Junin Preview
Sarmiento Junin arrives off a disappointing loss to Gimnasia LP but has collected some crucial away wins of late. The team thrives on quick counterattacks and set pieces, ably led by Junior Marabel and Pablo Daniel Magnin. Sarmiento’s challenge will be establishing possession and resisting sustained spells of Central pressure; discipline will be paramount, as shown by their single red card across recent fixtures. If Marabel is able to find space, Sarmiento could test Central in transition, but defensive structure will be their main focus.

Sarmiento Junin possible starting eleven
- GK: Javier Burrai
- DF: Agustin Seyral, Juan Manuel Insaurralde, Carlos Villalba, Thiago Santamaría
- MF: Manuel García, Cristian Exequiel Zabala, Jonatan Gomez, Santiago Salle
- FW: Junior Marabel, Pablo Daniel Magnin
Our prediction: Who Wins?
As TipsGG team experts, we predict Rosario Central to secure the win, capitalizing on home advantage and technical superiority in midfield transitions. Sarmiento Junin possesses a threat on the break, yet Central’s structured defence and multi-faceted attack should steer them to a comfortable result. Our AI prediction engine calculates a 61 percent win probability for Rosario Central, a 24 percent probability of a draw, and a 15 percent chance for Sarmiento Junin to pull off an upset.
How to watch Rosario Central vs Sarmiento Junin
When? 20.04.2026
Kick-off time: 01:30 CEST
Where? Estadio Dr. Lisandro de la Torre, Rosario, Argentina
How to watch: Check with your local broadcasters, official league streaming services, or betting platforms with live streams.
Favorite: Rosario Central
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Sarmiento Junin. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
