Academia Puerto Cabello
- Venezuela’s Academia Puerto Cabello are second in the Copa Sudamericana Group B standings on 6 points from 4 games and are undefeated on their home field with 6 points from 2 home fixtures so far in the competition.
- Eduardo Saragó has had the squad playing a patient, organized possession game since he took charge in July 2025.
- Jean Castillo has scored twice and assisted twice in Copa Sudamericana Group B so far.
Juventud Piedras
- Juventud Piedras have 5 points from their first 4 games in Group B.
- Sergio Blanco has breathed new life into Juventud since his appointment in April 2026, installing a high-energy, pressing style that takes the game to the opposition and allows his team to transition quickly from defense to attack.
- Juventud are unbeaten in their last 5 games (Won 3, drawn 2), with 2 goals conceded in their only away fixture so far.
Head-to-Head
- The head-to-head result from 2 weeks ago, when Juventud ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at home in Copa Sudamericana Group B, is in the rearview mirror and means very little here.
- The teams’ styles will be very different with Puerto preferring to build up slowly and control possession while Juventud will press and look to attack vertically.
Key Players
- Jean Castillo is Academia Puerto Cabello’s creative engine, who has scored twice and assisted twice in Copa Sudamericana Group B so far.
- Scored: 2
- Assisted: 2
- Fernando Mimbacas is the group’s top scorer with 2 goals in 4 Copa Sudamericana Group B games and Alejo Cruz is the creative force behind the team’s play, registering 4 assists in his 4 games in the Sudamericana.
- Mimbacas: 2 goals (4 games)
- Alejo Cruz: 4 assists (4 games)
Betting Insights
- With odds of 2.24, Puerto are very slightly favored for Thursday’s clash.
- Over 2.5 goals is a low price at 2.06, but Both teams to score - Yes at 1.78 is still worth a small bet and is the best selection here in my opinion.
Prediction
There’s no telling what kind of game this could be as the midfield battle could be pivotal, but Puerto has the home advantage and will look to return to winning ways after mixed recent form.
