Newells Old Boys vs Racing Club Prediction & Betting Tips (17 November)

Newell’s Old Boys arrive at this fixture carrying both turbulence off the pitch and inconsistency on it. In recent weeks, the Rosario side has been shaken by reports of unpaid wages, with striker Carlos González publicly voicing frustration and leading teammates in protest. This financial crisis has cast a shadow over preparations, though the squad still managed to secure a morale-boosting 2-0 victory against Huracán earlier in November. Prior to that, Newell’s endured heavy defeats such as a 5-0 loss to Boca Juniors and a 3-1 setback against Argentinos Juniors, alongside draws against Tigre and Estudiantes. These results underline a team struggling to find rhythm, alternating between flashes of resilience and collapses in defense. The off-field issues may weigh heavily on their mindset, but the Huracán win showed they can still rally when needed, especially in front of their supporters.

Racing Club, meanwhile, approach this clash with their own set of challenges but a slightly steadier trajectory. Under coach Gustavo Costas, Racing has been balancing Clausura ambitions with squad rotation, and recent matches have reflected mixed fortunes. They played out a tense 0-0 draw against Central Córdoba and another stalemate against Flamengo in continental competition, while also suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Flamengo. Victories over Aldosivi and Banfield earlier in October provided some relief, but their most recent outing against Defensa y Justicia ended in a dramatic contest where Racing struggled to impose themselves despite flashes of attacking intent. Luciano Vietto’s uncertain future and Bruno Zuculini’s leadership in midfield have been focal points in the past month, with fans debating whether the team has enough cutting edge to break down stubborn defenses.

The context of this encounter is shaped by both clubs’ recent narratives. Newell’s are fighting to stabilize amid financial unrest, while Racing are attempting to secure playoff positioning in the Clausura and keep morale intact. Both sides have shown defensive vulnerabilities, yet neither has consistently demonstrated attacking sharpness. Newell’s have conceded heavily against top rivals, but they also managed clean sheets when discipline was prioritized. Racing, on the other hand, has leaned on Gabriel Arias in goal and Zuculini’s midfield control to grind out results, though their lack of goals in recent matches has been a recurring theme. The clash at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa is therefore not just about points but about proving resilience in adversity. Fans expect a tense, tactical battle where possession may be contested fiercely but clear chances could remain scarce.

Given the recent form lines and the atmosphere surrounding both clubs, the most realistic expectation is a cagey affair with neither side able to fully unlock the other’s defense. Newell’s Old Boys will likely prioritize organization to avoid another heavy defeat, while Racing Club may struggle to convert possession into goals, as seen in their recent run of draws. The off-field distractions for Newell’s and the attacking doubts for Racing combine to suggest a stalemate is the likeliest outcome. Therefore, the prediction for this Torneo Betano clash is a 0:0 correct score, reflecting the balance of caution, fatigue, and tactical conservatism that both teams are likely to embrace.