We are halfway through the group stages in this year’s Copa Libertadores and it is the current Champions who can’t stop scoring, who next venture to Bolivia looking for three more points…
“Palmeiras finished with 77% possession, 28 shots to one, 13 corners to nil and completed x3 more passes during the 90 minutes.”
Goals expected in Sucre
Independiente Petrolero v Palmeiras
Wednesday, 01:30
The reigning Champions have shown no real signs of slowing down in this competition, as they look to win the tournament for a third consecutive year. With three wins from three on the board, a win in Bolivia will secure top spot if Deportivo Tachira fail to beat Emelec.
These two sides met two weeks ago and it’s fair to say the Brazilians blew the Bolivians away – especially in the second half. After a shock stalemate at half time, Palmeiras came out and scored seven goals in 45 minutes.
Palmeiras finished with 77% possession, 28 shots to one, 13 corners to nil and completed x3 more passes during the 90 minutes.
Palmeiras scored EIGHT last night, but Raphael Veiga’s volley definitely stole the show #CopaLibertadorespic.twitter.com/DhSr2Mi3MJ
? Nathan Joyes (@NathanJoyes1) April 13, 2022
A rotation within the starting XI may well occur within the Brazilian ranks, but they still have a job to get done in Sucre, and despite the tough conditions, we’ve already seen Independiente Petrolero struggle on home turf.
The Bolivians lost last time out to Deportivo Tachira 2-1, before throwing away a late lead to draw with Emelec deep into added time. Their lack of concentration is evident to see and is likely to be exploited once again, and Palmeiras’ overall class should shine through.
After sharing nine goals when they last met, and with Palmeiras scoring three away to Emelec and four away to Deportivo Tachira, 1.758/11 for over 2.5 goals looks very generous to me – especially considering the Bolivians have also scored in both their home matches to date. It’s certainly not impossible for them to nick one again.
Factoring all this in, I’m more than content to put two points on this selection.
Argentinians to notch up another home win
Estudiantes v Nacional
Wednesday, 01:30
Last week, Estudiantes went up against fellow unbeaten side Bragantino and did the job for our column pick, making it two wins from two at home.
As mentioned last week, Estudiantes are incredibly strong at home at present, winning their last seven in all competitions. It’s also been rather noticeable how important set pieces have been for the Argentinians, who once again were able to rely on their centre back, Agustin Rogel, to score in their 2-0 victory over Bragantino.
The Uruguayan’s on the other hand, have had a rather mixed campaign on the road, as they were comfortably swept aside by Bragantino in Brazil, before beating Velez Sarsfield in Argentina 2-1. However, Velez have very much been this year’s disappointment after a solid campaign last year, and they are currently routed to the bottom of the table with just a single point.
These two sides met in the opening week of the group stage, sharing a 0-0 draw, but back on home soil it’s almost impossible to not side with Estudiantes, who are dominant in front of their own fans.
A win should all but secure qualification to the knockout round for Ricardo Zielinski’s side and priced at 1.758/11, they can get the job done. Back them with a one point stake to prevail.
Source: BetFair Tips
