Barcelona SC (home)
- César Farías has built the Guayaquil club to be a tough unit to break down and one that can hit opponents on the counterattack.
- His side have conceded very few goals in the qualifiers and ‘El Rojo’ are currently near the top of Ecuador’s LigaPro after collecting 12 points from their last matches.
- A 2-0 win at LDU Quito kept them just one point behind the leaders in the Ecuadorian top flight, so the momentum is clearly with Farías’ men as they head into the opening clash in Group D.
- José David Contreras has been a ‘wall’ between the posts for the hosts.
- Darío Benedetto is a true big-game leader in the dressing room and on the field for Barcelona and will be their focal point once again on Wednesday.
Cruzeiro MG (away)
- Artur Jorge has been a breath of fresh air for Cruzeiro since arriving in late March, bringing a cool, pragmatic style of play to the side that is based around a strong defensive shape and effective transitions.
- They do not have a player of the calibre of Benedetto, but in Kaio Jorge they have an in-form striker who can do his share of the goals - he scored the winner in their 1 - 0 Mineiro final victory over Atlético Mineiro.
- The Belo Horizonte club can rely on the creativity and link-up play of Matheus Pereira and Gerson to push them on in the attacking third and will be happy to play on their own terms in this clash.
Head-to-Head
Barcelona SC and Cruzeiro MG meet for the first time in official competition in the first round of Copa Libertadores Group D fixtures and both clubs will be desperate to make a positive statement on Wednesday.
Key Players
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Players to watch:
- José David Contreras has been a ‘wall’ between the posts for the hosts.
- Darío Benedetto is a true big-game leader in the dressing room and on the field for Barcelona and will be their focal point once again on Wednesday.
- Kaio Jorge scored the winner in their 1 - 0 Mineiro final victory over Atlético Mineiro.
- Matheus Pereira and Gerson provide creativity and link-up play in the attacking third for Cruzeiro.
Betting Insights
- Barcelona are playing with the momentum and Cruzeiro are still working out the kinks in the squad after a turbulent run to the state championship title.
- The humid conditions and electric atmosphere of the Estadio Monumental should give Barcelona the edge to nick this one with a goal to spare in a low-scoring affair.
- Suggested markets: Barcelona win (3.2), Under 2.5 goals at 1.53, and Both Teams to Score - No at 1.73.
Prediction
The humid conditions and home advantage should give Barcelona SC the edge to nick this one with a goal to spare in a low-scoring affair.
