Bolivar vs Palestino Predictions: La Academia can crush Tino dreams
The conclusion of Group E in the Copa Libertadores in the early hours of Wednesday morning (01:00 kick-off) sees frontrunners Bolivar face a Palestino side who require victory to stand any chance of avoiding the drop into the Copa Sudamericana.
Bolivian outfit Bolivar have lost just one of their last eight matches in all competitions - this coming in their last continental fixture against three-time Libertadores champions Flamengo - while their last defeat at the Estadio Hernando Siles came against Internacional in the quarter-finals of last season’s edition of the tournament.
Palestino’s recent form shows less promise, with Tino failing to win any of their last three matches - including defeats in both of their last two - while the Chileans have also won just one of their last five on the road, losing three.
The hosts are the heavy favourites to claim victory on the night and seal top spot in the group at 1/5 whereas the visitors are 10/1 to shock Bolivar in front of their own fans.
The draw provides odds of 9/2, while Henry Vaca is the unlikely favourite to open the scoring at 5/1.
Team News
Bolivar manager Flavio Robatto has no fresh injury concerns affecting his team selection and so a strong side is expected to be named.
Striker Carmelo Algaranaz scored a brace in Bolivar’s recent 4-0 league thrashing of Santa Cruz and should lead the line once more while Chico is the top scorer for the Bolivians in the Copa Libertadores with four goals and should feature in some capacity.
Palestino boss Vitamina Sanchez has more of a selection headache for this crucial encounter as both Jose Bizama and Nicolas Meza will miss out with cruciate ligament injuries.
However, there is some good news for Palestino, as Brayan Vejar is available for selection, despite receiving his marching orders in their recent 1-0 defeat to Union Espanola.
Bolivar to win to nil @ 21/20
With an unbeaten home record stretching back 18 games in all competitions, Bolivar should be able to claim the victory required to progress to the knockout stages as group champions.
The Bolivians have won 15 of these matches at the Estadio Hernando Siles while they also managed to keep a clean sheet in their last home fixture. With Palestino failing to score in either of their last two, a home shutout victory looks a tempting prospect.
Bruno Savio to score anytime @ 7/5
La Academia boast an abundance of attacking talent that have started the season strongly and the man arguably pulling the strings for Bolivar is midfielder Bruno Savio.
The Brazilian has three goals and two assists to his name in the Copa Libertadores this season and, with a goal in each of the previous two home fixtures in this tournament, he will be expected to try his luck in this final group encounter.
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