America de Cali
- America de Cali are unbeaten in their last 3 home games (W1, D2).
- This Friday’s Copa Sudamericana Group A clash between second-placed America de Cali (8pts from 5 games) and group leaders Macara (9pts from 5 games) will be a fascinating clash of contrasting styles.
- David Gonzalez’s side are known for playing a high-tempo, high-pressing game in which their full backs and wingers provide plenty of width and the midfield and forwards try to force turnovers and hit the opposing defense on the counterattack.
- They have the firepower in attack to back this up with veteran striker Adrian Ramos chipping in with 2 goals in their last 5 games, but they can be vulnerable at the back.
- Their recent results have been a mixed bag with 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in their last 5 in all competitions.
Macara
- Macara are unbeaten away in this group with 2 games played (W2).
- Guillermo Sanguinetti’s Macara have played a more reactive, compact game with a low-to-medium block.
- They clog up the center of the park, make it very difficult for the opposing midfielders to get space, and then look to counter with speed when they regain possession.
- However, their away form has been more promising, winning both of their last 2 away outings.
- Sanguinetti has clearly drilled his players to be disciplined and compact on their travels, as they have conceded 0 goals in their 2 away games in the group.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Macara, a result which seems quite possible again given the recent results of both sides and the contrasting styles of play.
Key Players
- Jorge Valencia has 2 goals in 5 Copa Sudamericana games, providing a focal point for America de Cali.
- They have the firepower in attack to back this up with veteran striker Adrian Ramos chipping in with 2 goals in their last 5 games, but they can be vulnerable at the back.
Betting Insights
- This is a real clash of football styles between a team that presses high and likes to attack and a side that sits back and is happy to defend deep and counter.
- America de Cali have not lost in their last 3 at home, while Macara are undefeated in their two away games in this group, so with position in the group still at stake, we’re backing the draw at 3.65, under 2.5 goals at 1.65 and both teams not to score at 1.64.
Prediction
And with both teams looking to keep things tight, this could descend into a tactical chess match and a draw seems the most likely result.
