Cienciano Cusco

vs

Juventud Piedras

Preview

Cienciano (home)

• Cienciano have won both their home games in this year’s Copa Sudamericana without conceding.
• Cienciano are currently second in the group with 7 points from 5 matches.
• Horacio Melgarejo’s men play at a high tempo, press the opposition, force turnovers and then attack quickly down the flanks.
• Alejandro Hohberg has notched three of Cienciano’s last five goals and looks the most likely scorer.

Juventud Piedras (away)

• Juventud Piedras have failed to win either of their two away games in the tournament, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match.
• Juventud are fourth on 6 points, making this a crucial fixture.
• Alejo Cruz has been particularly effective in four appearances, providing four assists.
• Under coach Sergio Blanco, Juventud prefer to sit deep and keep things at a low tempo.
• Juventud are unbeaten in their last five, winning three and drawing two.
• Fernando Mimbacas has scored two goals, while Ramiro Peralta has added three in five.

Key Players

• Cienciano:
  • Alejandro Hohberg - three of Cienciano’s last five goals.
• Juventud Piedras:
  • Alejo Cruz - four assists in four appearances.
  • Fernando Mimbacas - two goals.
  • Ramiro Peralta - three in five.

Betting Insights

• Cienciano are favorites at 1.69 to win.
• Under 2.5 goals is priced at 1.98.
• Both Teams to Score - No is available at 1.96.
• The home record and the altitude in Cusco are cited as advantages for Cienciano.

Prediction

• Expect a tense game in Cusco with Cienciano favored.
• A low-scoring match - Under 2.5 goals - looks likely given Cienciano’s defensive record at home.