Penarol vs Olimpia: Back the hosts to triumph

This is the first time both of these teams will face each other in the history of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, and it feels like the game will not provide much entertainment given the stature of both teams. This will be matchup number 2 for both teams of GROUP G. Penarol is currently 8th in the Uruguayan Primera Division Apertura, having played eight games and only winning 3. They came out winners in their last match (2-1) against Liverpool FC with a 90+6-minute winner by Laquintana. Meanwhile, Olimpia has finished 4th in the recently concluded Division Profesional – Apertura in the Paraguayan first division. They lost their last match (2-1) against Nacional and will look to bounce back.

Penarol looks to have the upper hand in this fixture with winning two and drawing 2 of their last five games and would like to rectify their previous result in the CONMEBOL Libertadores round 1 match by taking advantage of Olimpia’s poor form. They are currently bottom of the group with a -1 goal difference, having lost (2-1) to Colon in the opening match. Penarol has, in the current season, scored 0.75 goals per match and has conceded a nominal 0.62 goals per match. They should look to take the 3 points from this match, propel themselves up the table, and try to qualify for the next stage.  

• Pablo Cepellini;
• Ruben Bentancourt;
• Juan Manuel Ramos;
• Neto Volpi.

They will head into the game with an expectation to be able to draw the game and look for a safe result that would keep their hopes to qualify for the next stage alive. Even though they have lost 3 of their last five games, they will be looking to get a tangible result. They drew their first match (0-0) against Cerro Porteno with a stellar defensive display and will look to replicate that against Penarol. In their season so far, Olimpia has scored 1.56 goals per match but has also at the same time conceded a hefty 1.22 goals per match. They are 3rd in Group G and will look to maintain their position or go up a position if other results favor them.

• Ivan torres;
• Guillermo Paiva;
• Alejandro Silva;
• Derlis Gonzalez.

Penarol are favorites to win this fixture, but one should expect Olimpia to give them a tough time and prove to be a tough nut to crack; it will all come down to whether Penarol will break down their defense efficiently and take their chances.

TelecomAsia Sport is looking for MLS tipsters. Contact jobs@telecomasia.net for more information.