Cerro Porteno - 3 de Febrero

Paraguay Primera Division, Clausura

Huge match for both teams tonight. A couple of weeks ago, 3 de Febrero were already dead and buried, and no one gave them much chances of pulling off a miracle. But now, following a very encouraging run, they are hoping again. They took 7 points from the last possible 9 (could've made a clean sweep of 9/9, but received a late equalizer from Sol), including an emphatic 7-3 victory as visitors, at General Caballero, and a 2-1 win against powerhouse Libertad. They are playing with a new found self-belief, and I'm sure they'll fight until the last minute, especially since they need to make at least 6 points more than Luqueno (12 still available). Cerro Porteno also can't afford any wrong turns, as they are in the middle of a fierce battle for the title, and a win tonight could even see them take the lead of the championship (or at least they will keep the 2 points distance to current leaders Libertad). And for them, taking the title is the only option they have to qualify for the 2012 Libertadores. A loss here would not only destroy their chances for the title, but could also put their qualification to Sudamericana at risk. They should also receive an offensive boost, as playmaker Jonathan Fabbro is expected to play from the beginning. Both teams have been free-scoring lately, and with both of them expected to give their best, I'm counting on quite a nice match here.

over 2.75 goals @ 1.88, 3/10

Result: 3-0, HALF-WON

Libertad - 3 de Febrero

Paraguay Primera Division, Clausura

Libertad seems to be in great form, as after 4 rounds of the Clausura, they are on second place, one point behind the leaders Olimpia. And that is quite impressive, especially if we look at their tough schedule, because in the first rounds, they have already played against 3 of the main runners to the title: drew at home 1-1 with Nacional, beat Olimpia 2-1 with a late goal, and last week they trashed Guarani away from home, 3-0. Good form, and good play for Libertad, as they take on 3 de Febrero, where they will surely want another victory. Meanwhile, 3 de Febrero looks set to struggle against relegation for what's left of this season, and their recent form is nothing but to worry about, as they haven't taken a single point in these first few rounds. 3 home defeats, against Tacuary, Guarani and Rubio, along a 0-4 loss at Olimpia, so the difference in quality between them and the front-runners is more than obvious. Libertad has won 8 of the last 10 home games with 3 Febrero, including some whooping 5-0 and 8-0 results in the last couple of years, so I expect them to once again be at the top of their play, and another high scoring victory is very possible. GL!

Libertad (-1.25 AH) @ 1.90, 4/10

Result: 4-1, WON

Rubio Nu - 3 de Febrero

Paraguay Primera Division, Apertura

Not much of a good form for any of these teams, as both have just a win this season. However, the style of play has been much different, and so has also been the quality of the teams they had to face, and the results recorded. After their first round win, Rubio hasn't won a single match, but they have played against some of the big names of the league: Cerro Porteno, Nacional and Libertad. Also against Tacuary, which put up a lot of effort, and have recorded good results against the big teams. And in this matches, Rubio have only lost 2, managing to draw against Cerro Porteno and Nacional. So, for Rubio must be a relief to face some of the 'weaker' opposition. 3 de Febrero have also won just in the first round, followed by 6 win-less matches. And to lose away at Luqueno, draw at General Caballero and lose at home with Sol de America isn't something to be proud about. Both teams should snap out of their form sooner or later, but I'd rather see Rubio doing it sooner. To win in La Arboleda is a tough task for pretty much anybody, as Rubio are known for being a pretty strong home side. Normally, odds should be higher than 1.50-1.60 for them, so with the current odds must be worth a shot on the hosts. GL!

Rubio Nu (-0.5 AH) @ 1.84, 4/10

Result: 1-0, WON