Bolivar - Union Espanola

Copa Libertadores 2012, Group Stage

This month is not going very well, so let's see if we can salvage anything from it. For this match that will be played in La Paz, plenty of goals should be on the menu. The high altitude definitely puts the visitors in a bad position, and that will probably take it's toll on the players in the latter part of the game. That is why is important for them to make a good start, maybe even to score a fast goal. Union Espanola have been free-scoring lately, with 15 goals in 6 matches in the league, plus 5 more in 3 games of Libertadores, so offensively they are looking good. The coach already said that he will go to Bolivia to win, and for that he plans a rather offensive formation, to take advantage of Bolivar's defensive gaps. The Bolivians also look good when it comes to scoring goals, with 22 scored in 12 matches, and with their status as favorites, they will surely go for the win here, as they know the Chileans will have to cope with the effects of the altitude. Home win is the most probable result, but the handicap is set quite right, so in the case of a probable 2-1 win, the over bet looks much better. GL!

over 2.5 goals @ 1.92, 5/10

Result: 1-3, WON

Union Espanola - UANL Tigres

Copa Libertadores 2012

The Mexicans aren't putting much effort into Copa Libertadores (probably because of the long distances they'll have to travel and because of the squad not being deep enough for both competitions), therefore their list with the registered players is a pretty weak one. A lot of first team players have been left out, and from the players considered 'stars' only Hector Mancilla and Manuel Viniegra are on the Libertadores list. However, for Wednesday's match, not even they will play, as they have been left behind in Mexico to rest, as well as Enrique Palos and Juninho. Moreover, 3 of their players are injured, while 4 others (Hugo Ayala, Carlos Salcido, Israel Jimenez and Jorge Torres Nilo) are with the national team. So a very weak, young and unexperienced squad of Tigres will travel to Chile. Union Espanola made a decent local tournament in 2011, and even though they have lost 3 important players, they have also strengthend the team with several players, that should be at least on the level with the ones that left. Still, most of their players have remained with the team, so expect a more solid and consistent Chilean team, in comparison with Tigres. Two-legs for this round, so I'm counting on a determined performance at home, to give them some margin for error in the second-leg. GL!

Union Espanola (-0.5 AH) @ 1.95, 5/10

Result: 1-0, WON