LC - Football - South America - Libertadores Cup

Emelec
Last Match
Won 4-1 against Manta, with this keeping the first place in their local tournament. Coach Gustavo Quinteros didn't reserve any player and FW Denis Stracqualursi scored his fourth goal in six matches. Has two postponed matches due to Libertadores Cup, and the coach Quinteros have make it clear that the priority is the local tournament, but want to achieve regularity in Libertadores Cup.

Libertadores Cup
With a victory (2-1 vs Bolivar) and a defeat (3-1 at Flamengo), the team haven't reflect the good form from local tournament to this one.
If they want to proceed to next round, they have to obtain full points in home, as the remaining away games will be very difficult, at La Paz (very high altitude city) and a long trip to Mexico. The coach had stated that he will have to rotate players for Libertadores Cup, so 4 or 5 players that didn't play on Friday will be present on this match, with the idea to display an offensive and pressing gameplay.

The team recovers MF Miler Bolaños, which is good news taking into consideration the important absences between injured and suspended, and the team gains attack variants to be used in this match.

Injured:
MF Fernando Gaibor
FW Marcos Mondaini

Doubtfoul:
DF Jhon Narvaéz

Suspended:
DF Gabriel Achilier

Leon
Last Match
Lost his weekend match at home 0-1 to Veracruz after conceding a goal in the aggregate time. Missing a penalty kick by FW Marias Britos, third the team can convert to goal. In this match coach Gustavo Matosas reserved player with this match in mind:
GK William Paul Yarbrough
DF Rafael Marquez (Played with Mexico NT in midweek)
DF Edwin William Hernandez
MF Eisner Loboa
MF Elias Hernandez

Libertadores Cup
With one victory (2-1 vs Flamengo) and one draw (1-1 at Bolivar), they lead the group 7. Leon dominated the game against Bolivar, but where unable to achieve the victory, even failing a penalty at minute 84'. The team have showed by resting important players for this match and fielding the best squad possible that they have a real interest in this tournament.

Injured:
FW Mauro Boselli

Doubtfoul:
MF Ignacio Gonzalez
MF Luis Montes

Match
It is expected a very dynamic and fast-paced match, both teams want to get a good result for this match. Leon has an offensive game-play and Emelec knows they need a good result and had offensive in local tournament.

Prediction
Is it very difficult to get an away victory in Libertadores Cup, but Leon almost get it at La Paz (a remarkable draw considering altitude, etc).
Leon rested important players last match so they play this one together. Emelec haven't show a decent defense, as in last four matches haven't achieved a clean sheet, and will face important absences.
Therefore I see the value on getting the away team with advantage.

11/03/2014 10:03, read 2940 times