Lanus will look to book their place in the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage on Wednesday, when they take on Metropolitanos in the final round of group games.
With only one qualification place available, the home side only lead Barcelona SC on goal difference, meaning they must match or better the chasing side's result to progress.
Match preview
After finishing ninth in the Argentine Primera Division last season, Lanus booked their place in the Copa Sudamericana group stage, and they began the continental campaign with a goalless stalemate away at Metropolitanos.
It did not take the Granate long to put a first victory on the board, as they went on to defeat Barcelona SC 3-1, before moving onto seven points from three matches with as Jose Sand's goal made the difference in a 1-0 win away at Montevido Wanderers.
A 1-1 draw with Barcelona SC then kept them at the top of the group before Lanus' qualification hopes were dealt a blow last time out, as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Montevido Wanderers, despite leading with just three minutes of regular time to play.
That comeback victory from their visitors saw the Granate's lead over Barcelona scratched off, and, now with just a marginally better goal difference, their position in the one qualification spot is in jeopardy.
As a result, Jorge Almiron's side, who have been inconsistent on the domestic front this term, head into Wednesday's meeting on home turf looking for a convincing victory to ensure they are not overtaken on the last day and dumped out of South America's secondary competition.
They welcome a Metropolitanos side vying for a first win of the continental campaign before their exit from the group stage.
The Venezuelan side booked their place in a second consecutive Copa Sudamericana as they finished at the top of their group at the end of the domestic campaign and cruised past Estudiantes de Merida in a qualifying knockout tie, and they did well to hold Lanus to a stalemate in the opening round of fixtures.
Los Violetas then drew 1-1 away at Wanderers, before losing narrowly to Barcelona SC and in the reverse fixture with the former, with both games finishing in 1-0 defeats.
They bounced back in impressive fashion last time out, helping Lanus' chances of qualifying for the knockout stage as they held Barcelona SC to a 2-2 draw at home, with substitute Irwin Anton forcing a share of the spoils in the 78th minute.
While they find themselves winless, Metropolitanos have performed commendably in this group campaign, and they will hope to have another big say in the race for top spot with what would be an impressive scalp in the final round of matches.
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Team News
Lanus' line should again be led by veteran forward Jose Sand, who has netted three goals in three Copa Sudamericana games this season, taking the 41-year-old's tally to 159 in 268 appearances for the club in all competitions across three spells.
Jose Manuel Lopez is also expected to feature going forward, having hit four goals in 13 appearances so far this term.
Lautaro Acosta is another fixture in the front line on the left-hand side, while Braian Aguirre could again operate at the base of midfield.
Metropolitanos are unlikely to make many changes after an impressive result against Barcelona SC, although Irwin Anton has a strong claim for a starting spot after coming off the bench to equalise in that game.
Winger Robinson Flores has been their star man so far this season, netting eight goals and providing three assists across league and continental action.
Lanus possible starting lineup:
Morales; Di Placido, Perez, Braghieri, Bernabei; Aguirre, Pasquini; Gonzalez, Lopez, Acosta; Sand
Metropolitanos possible starting lineup:
Rojas; Vargas, Ferro, Fuentes, Cova; Sosa, Moreiro, Cermeno; Gomez, Anton, Flores
We say: Lanus 2-0 Metropolitanos
Metropolitanos have been far from a soft touch in this group, and Lanus certainly face a tough test on Wednesday.
However, the hosts need a big win to confirm a first-placed finish, and we back them to come away with all three points as they push for crucial goals.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Sam Varley
