Leon de Huanuco - Melgar

Peru Primera Division, Descentralizado

The Peruvian league is entering it's final stage, and with only 6 matches left, the big guns needto start performing if they are to achieve their objectives. Leon sufferend an important set-bac last week, when they lost 0-1 in Huancayo, but nothing is lost. Juan Aurich also lost, so the 5 points difference still remains, that's why Leon must win tonight, also to keep their grasp on the 3rd place that leads to the Libertadores play-off. Leon's home form so far this season puts them in a good position for this match, as they have won 9 of their 12 matches played in Huanuco, and while Melgar has also showed some nice performances as visitors, they shouldn't pose many problems here. They are still mathematically fighting to avoid relegation, but they seem to have a cosy advantage of 8 points, so they shouldn't worry too much. Moreover, they will play with 2 youngsters today, in order to achieve the minimum minutes for the U20 players, that the legue requires. GL!

Leon (-1 AH) @ 1.72, 4/10

Result: 1-0, VOID

Alianza Atletico - Universitario

Peru Primera Division

Odds dropped quite a bit, so there isn't the value that was at the hour of the odds opening, but I like this bet even at this price. Universitario also has to play in Copa Sudamericana three days later, so it really comes as a surprise that they were scheduled to play their league game on Monday. And since they decided to focus their efforts on the Copa, they will rest several key players for this match, including: defender Galliquio, midfielder Rainer Torres, or playmaker Vitti. Therefore, we'll have an even weaker Universitario team, than what we are used to normally, and even so, their away record is nothing to be proud about for a team of their caliber: without a win playing as visitors this season, and with just 1 goal scored. And I'm sure that with a mixed team, and playing on an artificial pitch, they won't have it easy now. Alianza should be giving their all tonight, as it is one of their last chances to remain in the top division next season. Currently on the last place, 3 points against Las Cremas would be like an oxygen mask for them, as they would tie Cesar Vallejo on points, and keep their hopes alive for the last 6 rounds of the season. GL!

Alianza Atletico DNB @ 1.70, 3/10

Result: 0-0, VOID

Sport Huancayo - Leon de Huanuco

Peru Primera Division

This will be a match played at high altitude, but also with high expectations, as for both team, this could be the match that makes or breaks their season. After a rough start, Leon de Huanuco recovered very well, and now are sitting on the 3rd place. And after Juan Aurich's defeat last night, Leon have a great chance to close the gap, and hope to play the second consecutive final, in their 2-years history in Primera. And it would be a remarcable achievement for them. So, with a win here, they would come to just 2 points behind Juan Aurich, while also pretty much securing their 3rd spot (that qualifies to Libertadores), as they will have7 points ahead of their followers. On the other hand, Huancayo is on a Sudamericana position, and would like to consolidate it, but also, with 3 points here, they would be just 1 point behind the Libertadores place that Leon is currently occupying. So, a must win for both. And these matches at altitude are usually quite entertaining, with lots of goals, because home teams are playing offensive, and with the visitors not affected by the air, they can respond accordingly. So, with Huancayo having the second best attack in the league, and Leon having the 5th one, but also with quite fragile defenses for both of them, I expect to see a nice match here, hopefully with lots of goals. GL!

over 2.5 goals @ 2.05, 3/10

Result: 1-0, LOST

Emelec - Olmedo

Ecuador Serie A, Segunda Etapa

The Ecuadorian league starts again after 2 weeks of international break, so let's see if some teams managed to make some improvements during this time. Emelec were hoping to win this second stage as well, and thus to be crowned champions without the need of playing a final, but a pretty much irregular campaign destroyed their plans, as they now sit 10 points behind leaders Deportivo Quito, and with the recent form of the leaders, the idea of catching up with them is just a dream. However, the pressure on Emelec's coach is still present, and he'll need all the wins he can, if he wants to keep some chances to stay in Guayaquil in 2012 as well. And so far, their home record seems to be on his side: from the 6 matches played, Emelec remain undefeated while acting as hosts, with 4 wins, and an incredible 13 goals scored, with just 1 conceded. So no complaints there. Meanwhile, Olmedo as visitors are at the other end: they're offensive futility is even bigger when travelling, scoring only 2 goals in 6 games, while conceding 7. Carrasco said he managed to correct some of Emelec's errors during this break, and I'm only giving him credit because he is playing at home (and their home form is backing his words). So, I'm expecting a win for Emelec here, with a minimum difference giving us a void, but I expect a bigger win. GL!

Emelec (-1 AH) @ 1.86, 4/10

Result: 3-0, WON