LDU Quito - Godoy Cruz

Copa Libertadores

LDU is again at home in Libertadores, and once again the handicap line is pretty big, even though the opposition is Argentinian. But even so, Liga should be too much at home for Godoy, especially since the visitors aren't in spectacular form. Just one win in the last 5 matches, and that one came against lowly Huracan, so definitely not impressive. In Libertadores they lost two weeks ago 1-2 in Montevideo, and if we go for a stretched-relation between the games, Penarol lost 5-0 in Quito, so Godoy probably knows what's waiting for them. For LDU is the same story all over again. Solid team, good players, working well, high altitude gives them a huge advantage, and they are more or less unbeatable at home. The only problem is that this isn't a must-win match for them. A draw qualifies them, so a win would only help them win the group is Penarol fails to win. It could also help them finish higher in the second place table, so as to get an easier group winner in the eight of finals. Anyway, it's not their style to play for a draw at home, and if they can give their opponents a serious beat-down, they will. Godoy knows their chances to qualify are slim, so an early goal conceded will ruin both their plan and morale. LDU to clearly win this match. GL!

LDU (-1 AH) @ 1.86, 5/10

Result: 2-0, WON

All Boys - Godoy Cruz

Argentina Primera Division, Apertura

Last round of Apertura starts today, and we'll see in action two teams that have no further plans left for 2010. Godoy Cruz has sealed it's place in Copa Libertadores 2011, so they can afford to take it easy tonight. And they'll have a huge handicap from the beginning, as they will miss a couple of key players due to some injuries. First of all, their two top scorers are both absent (David Ramirez - 8 goals, Jairo Castillo - 6 goals), and both are in the league's top 10 goalscorers, leaving the team without main firepower. But things don't end here for them, as they will also miss two more key players, midfielder Nicolas Olmedo (16 games) and defender Zelman Garcia (17 matches), and they will leave quite some big gaps, that All Boys are likely to exploit. The newly promoted team has been amazing this Apertura, winning 7 out of 9 matches at home, being just below Velez and Estudiantes from this point of view. And they seem quite motivated to end this great year in great fashion, with another win at home, a venue where they already won against River or Estudiantes. They have a few doubts in their team, and their team won't be the best they have, but at least they will change back to the 4-3-1-2 formation (unlike in the last game against Gimnasia). At first sight, the over looked good, because All Boys will have a debutant as a central defender, but with Godoy's absences upfront, I have my doubts about them scoring. All Boys to win looks a bit better. GL!

All Boys (-0.5 AH) @ 2.15, 3/10

Result: 2-2, LOST

Godoy Cruz - Newell's Old Boys

Argentina Primera Division, Apertura

Newell's played a pretty good match this mid-week at home, against LDU Quito in Copa Sudamericana, but luck wasn't on their side, and they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 draw. But this result serves them as much as a defeat, as it is well known LDU's home strength, at the high altitude of Quito. So, coach Sensini has decided to give a rest to most of his players, in order for them to be fit for the grueling duel in Ecuador. Schiavi is suspended for this match anyway, while 8 other players will be rested (Alayes, Mateo, Bernardi, Borghello, Fideleff, Estigarribia, Formica and Sperdutti), leaving them to play with a team of reserves and fringe players. Godoy are still having a chance to catch the leaders Estudiantes, and will probably relish the opportunity to easily beat a usually solid team like Newell's. They won't have any absences, and they are very likely to field their base team, their strongest line-up. A victory for Godoy will also cement their qualification to Copa Libertadores (which looks good anyway, since they are 2nd in the Average points table). Odds are still take-able, and this looks like a solid bet. GL!

Godoy Cruz (-0.5 AH) @ 1.75, 5/10

Result: 0-0, LOST