In a rescheduled match from the fifth round of the Copa Libertadores group stage, Estudiantes will host Huachipato on Thursday, 30 May. The home side is placed third in the overall standings with just 4 points, while the Chilean club sits one spot higher and is also vying for a playoff spot.
The match will take place in La Plata at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium.
Estudiantes are third in Group C with four points heading into the fifth round, one less than their upcoming opponents and six behind leaders The Strongest. Earlier this month, Los Pincharratas became national champions, clinching their second trophy in five months following their Argentinian Cup triumph last December. In the previous round of the continental championship, Eduardo Dominguez's side lost 1-0 to The Strongest, and last week they were defeated 2-1 away at Lanus.
Sosa's goal was disallowed after a VAR review in the first half, while the white-and-reds conceded twice in the second half to goals from Marcelino Moreno and Bou. Estudiantes have one win and one loss in two home matches in Copa Libertadores It is worth noting that Los Pincharratas have a solid defence, not conceding more than one goal per match since mid-March in all competitions.
After a triumphant last season, the current campaign has been much tougher for Huachipato. Los Aceros are 11th in the league table with only four wins in the first 14 rounds, trailing leaders Universidad de Chile by 13 points. Due to poor results, the club parted ways with Javier Sanguinetti just 17 days ago and appointed Francisco Troncoso to try to rectify the situation.
The new head coach suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Audax in his debut match but celebrated a 1-0 victory over Everton at the weekend, with the only goal scored by Montes. The tournament scenarios are simple: if Gremio lose to The Strongest in a parallel match, Huachipato can secure a playoff spot with a win. However, it's important to remember that the visitors have not performed well on the road, suffering three defeats and one draw in their last four away matches.
In the first round, these teams played to a 1-1 draw, which was their first meeting in official competitions.
Although Estudiantes are far from their form of last season, the home side are expected to secure three points with the support of their fans. Los Pincharratas perform excellently in La Plata, racking up victories one after another, while the Chilean team has struggled on the road. I don't believe in an upset and predict a triumph for the home side with a -1 handicap.
Estudiantes consistently score two goals per game at home, while the visitors have conceded nine goals in their last three away matches. Bet on the home side's individual total over 1.5 goals.
The Argentinians will play at home, which means they'll press forward from the first minutes. Bet on the favourite's individual total over 5.5 corners.
Considering the significance of the match in the playoff race, expect plenty of tackles on the field. Bet on the overall total over 4.5 yellow cards.
My bet is on a 3-1 victory for Estudiantes.
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