Overview
- Newell’s hosts Unión on Friday at the Coloso in Fecha 14 with only three group matches left to relieve relegation pressure.
- Bernardi has elevated midfielder Alan Mereles and striker Francisco Scarpeccio from the reserves after parting with Darío Benedetto and demoting Gaspar Iñíguez, Josué Colmán and Alejo Tabares.
- Ever Banega is unavailable after a red card and Luca Regiardo is suspended for yellow-card accumulation, narrowing selection options.
- The interim staff is expected to name a mixed XI that blends youth with veterans, with local reports pointing to Juan Espínola in goal and Carlos González up front.
- Unión arrives in form under Leonardo Madelón and plans to repeat the lineup that beat Defensa y Justicia, with Matías Tagliamonte in goal and the Tarragona–Colazo duo in attack.