San Lorenzo take on the visitors Estudiantes Merida in the round 6 match of Copa Sudamericana group stage. The match will be played on Wednesday, June 28th at Estadio Pedro Bidegain (Buenos Aires).
San Lorenzo still have a chance for the second spot in their quartet in the South American Cup. To achieve this, they need to win the final match of the group stage and hope for a home defeat of Palestino against Fortaleza. While the first scenario is plausible, the second one is more challenging. Fortaleza has already secured the top position in the group and is unlikely to give their all. As for the match against San Lorenzo, there is no doubt that the Argentinians are significantly superior to their Venezuelan opponent. However, they only have a two-point lead in the table. In the five rounds of the group stage, San Lorenzo managed to secure only one victory with a modest score of 1-0 (more on that later). After that, the team earned only two points in four matches, failing to score in three of them.
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Is it possible to at least avoid a big defeat against such an opponent, even away from home? I believe it is quite possible. Estudiantes de Mérida is already out of contention for a higher position than third in the group. In the five rounds, the Venezuelans suffered four defeats, but only two of them were by a large margin. In the final match of the tournament, they sensationally defeated the group leader, Fortaleza (1-0). San Lorenzo, on the other hand, lost to Estudiantes de Mérida at home with the same scoreline at the start of the South American Cup, allowing the opponent to score only once. It cannot be said that the Argentinians were significantly stronger than their opponents in that meeting.
The bookmakers seem to overestimate the hosts of the upcoming match. Yes, they are favorites and most likely will win. However, a convincing victory for the Argentinians is not entirely believable. Let's remember that in the five rounds, San Lorenzo scored only three goals and failed to score in three matches. They only disappointed the Venezuelans once in their first encounter. The hosts have minimal chances of advancing from the group, and their recent results are not encouraging. Estudiantes de Mérida, on the other hand, finally kept a clean sheet and secured a victory in the previous round, earning their first points. My prediction is a handicap (+2.5) in favor of the visitors. I don't expect a rout in this match.
Prediction for the match: Estudiantes Merida to win with +2.5 handicap.
