FBC Melgar vs Alianza Lima Prediction: Can Melgar Limit Lima’s Fantastic Run in the Tournament?

In the upcoming fixture of the Peruvian Primera Division on Matchday 16, FBC Melgar will host Alianza Lima at the Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida in La Florida. According to the current table standings, Lima leads the Peruvian Primera points table with 12 wins and 36 points, while Melgar stands 15th with 3 wins and 15 points. The two teams last played in November 2022, and Lima won (2-0). In the last five matches between the two teams, Lima has won three times, and Melgar has been successful twice. It's worth noting that no match has resulted in a draw, so I expect the upcoming matchup to produce a result as well. 

Heading into the matchup, FBC Melgar is coming off a defeat against Deportivo Garcilaso (2-4), with goals scored by Tomas Martinez and Pablo Magnin. Bernando Cuesta missed a goal-scoring opportunity in the 66th minute of play. In the last five matches, Melgar has secured 2 wins, suffered 2 defeats, and earned a draw. In their last three home matches, Melgar has won 2 times and lost the other. With players like Luis Iberico and Arias in the lineup, Melgar will be optimistic about their chances of attacking the opposition. Melgar can put an end to Lima's winning streak if they manage to orchestrate an upset when playing at home.

Carlos Cáceda; Alejandro Ramos, Alec Deneumostier, Leonardo Galeano, Paolo Reyna; Horacio Orzán, Alexis Arias, Tomás Martínez; Cristian Bordachar, Luis Iberico, Bernardo Cuesta.

Moving in the matchup, Alianza Lima has played their last three matches at home and has emerged victorious by scoring two or more goals in each of them. Lima defeated Deportivo Municipal (2-1) in their last outing, with Carlos Zambrano scoring the opening goal assisted by Yordi Vilchez. In the 85th minute, Carlos Zambrano struck again for the second goal, this time assisted by Hernan Barcos. Alianza Lima has won four of their last five matches, indicating a winning momentum at home. In terms of scoring average, Lima has scored 10 goals in their last five matches, averaging 2.00 goals per game. Defensively, Lima has conceded only 4 goals, averaging 0.80 goals per game.

Franco Saravia; Gino Peruzzi, Carlos Zambrano, Santiago García, Ricardo Lagos; Josepmir Ballón, Jairo Concha; Franco Zanelatto, Andrés Andrade, Bryan Reyna; Pablo Sabbag.

Lima is in a position where they can compete for the championship this season. However, a win in the upcoming matchup could provide a boost in their away performances. With their winning streak and an average of 2.00 goals scored per game, the visitors will be favorites to win. Considering Lima has only conceded 4 goals in their last 5 matches, I expect them to win with a clean sheet. However, the home side will aim to maintain their defense and secure a draw. Therefore, the final scoreline is likely to be 1-1 or 1-2 at the end of 90 minutes of play. Additionally, Pablo Sabbag will be in the spotlight for scoring a goal at least. 

• Double Chance - Alianza Lima or Draw for 1.788
• Both Teams to Score - Yes for 1.85
• Pablo Sabbag To Score A Goal At Any Time - Yes for 2.875