The Pincha’s renovated Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi plays host to its first derby for more than a decade on Sunday
Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.
All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.
Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January.
In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.
The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once.
In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina’s Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes.
The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.
Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.
How to watch Estudiantes
After suffering a disastrous 2020, Estudiantes have improved under the stewardship of ex-Atletico Tucuman coach Ricardo Zielinski.
The Pincha began the weekend inside the Group 1 play-off positions after nine rounds of the Copa Liga Profesional, winning four of their matches and losing just twice to date.
Sunday’s match will have special significance, being the first La Plata derby played at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi since the ground was closed for renovations more than 15 years ago.
Gimnasia’s 2020 campaign was overshadowed by the death of coach Diego Maradona, which provoked worldwide mourning for the Argentina legend.
But the Lobo nevertheless fought through to the latter stages of the Copa Maradona, finishing third in their final group to narrowly miss out on a place in the decider.
The current Copa has proved a tougher prospect, with Gimnasia sitting 10th in Group 2 with just two victories to date.
Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )
| Date | Time (US PT / ET) | Match | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | 11:45pm/2:45pm | Estudiantes vs Gimnasia | Fanatiz |
Estudiantes vs Gimnasia team news
Estudiantes will be without Covid-positive Mauro Diaz, while Lucas Rodriguez, Fernando Tobio and David Ayala through injury.
Gimnasia are on the mend after a crippling coronavirus outbreak that grounded 17 first-teamers, and should be close to full strength to take on their La Plata rivals.
Watch all this weekend’s Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz with a 7-day free trial.
What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?
| Date | Time (US PT / ET) | Match | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | 5pm/8pm | Colon vs Godoy Cruz | Fanatiz |
| April 18 | 9:30am/12:30pm | Arsenal vs Racing Club | Fanatiz |
| April 18 | 2pm/5pm | Independiente vs Aldosivi | Fanatiz |
| April 19 | 2pm/5pm | Banfield vs Platense | Fanatiz |
All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.