FC Cajamarca

vs

FBC Melgar Arequipa

Preview

FBC Melgar Arequipa

• FBC Melgar Arequipa have hit the ground running in the Liga 1 - Apertura, racking up 9 points from their 3 opening matches to sit top of the table.
• Juan Reynoso has quickly established a high press and tactical flexibility at Melgar, where the ball is wide and the tempo is high.
• Melgar have won their only away game so far and remain undefeated on the road in the new season.
• Recent form and stats:
  • 8 goals and only 1 conceded in their opening 3 Liga 1 - Apertura matches.
  • Won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions.
  • Bernardo Cuesta bagging 3 in 3 to get off the mark in the league.

FC Cajamarca

• FC Cajamarca will represent a test of Melgar’s quality and form, as the newly promoted side look to establish themselves as potential surprises in the top flight.
• Cajamarca have struggled in the early stages of the season, sitting in 14th place with just 2 points from 3 matches, still seeking their first win of the campaign.
• Carlos Silvestri’s men are direct and vertical, with veteran target man Hernán Barcos as the focal point of their attack.
• Hernán Barcos is the talisman for FC Cajamarca, scoring 3 of their 4 goals in their last 3 games.
• Cajamarca have only scored 1 goal in their solitary home game so far this season.

Key Players

• Bernardo Cuesta - in excellent form with 3 goals in 3 and contributing heavily to Melgar’s recent firepower.
• Hernán Barcos - the veteran focal point for Cajamarca, responsible for 3 of the team’s last 4 goals.

Betting Insights

• Melgar are the heavy favorites at 1.92.
• Cajamarca are listed at 3.82.
• Both teams to score is priced at 1.86.

Prediction

• Given Melgar’s form, firepower and defensive solidity, they should be taking all three points here.
• Melgar have won their last 3 in a row, including a 4-0 win against UCV Moquegua last time out.