U Catolica - LDU Quito

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

LDU Quito are still favorites, or at least on par, against pretty much everyone in the Ecuadorian league except the big guns. That's obviously a sign that the bookies are setting the odds based on the team's name, and they also expect them to get back into form sooner rather than later. But from what I've seen, that seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. LDU are playing without too many ideas, and even the players and the coach agree that there isn't too much you can ask from the team currently. Their famous offensive game is no more, as they are constantly struggling to create danger for the opposition. That's why we have a very rare statistic, with them having the second worst offense in the league. Their main focus is to destroy the plays, instead of trying to build some fluid actions. Worth mentioning: they only scored 1 goal in 6 away games!!! Catolica is one of the better teams in the league, and are also pleasant to the eye, constantly trying to get forward as soon and as efficiently as possible. They won't have it easy, that's for sure, as it is very difficult to play against a team bent on destroying good football, but they do have what it takes to win against LDU. They won the last 3 games against LDU, who only got worse as time went by, so they have a good platform to build on. GL!

Catolica DNB @ 1.97, 4/10
Result: 3-1, WON

U Catolica - Independiente JT

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

Two of the nice surprises of the season will be facing off today, as Independiente are visiting Universidad Catolica. Both teams enjoyed a poor start of the season (even though for Catolica is understandable, having played against LDU Quito and Emelec in the first two rounds), but both of them have recovered nicely, and now sit on the 3rd and 4th place in the table. And what I'm expecting from this match is nice game, where the goals should come. Both Independiente and Catolica have solid attacks, among the best in the league so far, and with some shaky defenses, I'm sure they'll be able to find enough spaces to create some chances. Both employ attacking football, and we can see this in their previous results: Catolica has 4 overs in 5 matches, while Independiente are at the same number. Also, their last 2 matches ended in high-scoring games (back in 2010). The men to follow are forwards Patta and Laurito (3 goals each) for Catolica, while Independiente has as a starting point the performances of midfielder Guerrero (3 goals) and of forward Martinez (2 goals). Line is set quite right, but it should be easily surpassed. GL!

over 2.5 goals @ 2.02, 3/10
Result: 1-0, LOST