Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores clash between San Antonio Bulo Bulo and Penarol, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
San Antonio Bulo Bulo could go top of the Group H table when they welcome Penarol to the Estadio Felix Capriles in their gameweek four Copa Libertadores encounter.
The hosts are currently second in the standings, tied on six points with Velez Sarsfield, while the visiting side are third with four points.
Match preview
© Imago
San Antonio Bulo Bulo are enjoying a dream run in their first time participating in the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores, with two wins and a draw in their three previous encounters.
In their last outing, Julio Cesar Baldivieso‘s team defeated Argentine side Velez Sarsfield 2-1 to remain unbeaten across three fixtures, with two victories and one draw.
That outcome leaves them firmly in contention for a place in the round of 16 spot, tied on six points with Velez Sarsfield, who they will clash with in matchday five.
Going into this fixture, the hosts are unbeaten in five fixtures across all competitions – a run which includes three draws and two wins.
El Santo also boasts a healthy home record in all competitions, with four wins and a draw recorded in their last five outings in front of their fans.
Meanwhile, Penarol will enter this match on the back of a disappointing 0-0 stalemate against Olimpia in their last group fixture.
After a drab first half, the Yellow and Blacks had a chance to get their noses in front when they were awarded a penalty, but Fernandez Leonardo could not beat Luca Verza in the Olimpia goal from 12 yards.
With that result, the visitors remain unbeaten in their last two matches in the competition, a run they will be looking to maintain as they continue their chase for a round of 16 place.
Having earned a solitary win from three fixtures – a victory recorded against Wednesday’s opponents in gameweek two – the Montevideo-based side have it all to do to push for a place in the last 16.
Although they have struggled going forward, having scored twice in the tournament, they have been solid at the back, with one goal conceded and back-to-back clean sheets recorded in their last two outings.
San Antonio Bulo Bulo Copa Libertadores form:
Penarol Copa Libertadores form:
Penarol form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago
Baldivieso has almost a fully fit squad to pick his starting XI from, so he is likely to send out a familiar team when they take to the pitch on Wednesday.
A sure bet for a place in the starting 11 is forward Mario Otazu, who was on the score sheet three times in their 4-2 victory over Independiente in their last domestic engagement.
Penarol, on the other hand, are heading into this contest with several players sidelined due to various injuries.
Felipe Avenatti has been struggling with a muscle issue for some time, and he will not be involved in this fixture.
Similarly, Javier Cabrera and Juan Rodriguez have muscle problems of their own, making the duo doubtful for the fixture.
San Antonio Bulo Bulo possible starting lineup:
Saracho; Villarroel, Justiniano, Huayhuata, Saucedo; Rodriguez, Sanchez, Merida, Fernandez; Vargas, Otazu
Penarol possible starting lineup:
Campana; Milans, Herrera, Coelho, Olivera; Sosa, Perez, Umpierrez, Fernandez; Stabile, Silvera
We say: San Antonio Bulo Bulo 1-1 Penarol
Given the importance of this fixture, both sides are likely to approach this contest with caution, and considering the defensive solidity of the away side, this encounter could end in a 1-1 draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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