Universitario de Deportes
- Universitario de Deportes are third in Copa Libertadores Group B with five points from five games.
- Jorge Araujo is the head coach of Universitario, but the arrival of Héctor Cúper at the helm of the Peruvians should see a change in tactics.
- Cúper’s pragmatism and love of a well-organised, compact defensive line should see Universitario line up in a defensive shape that can hold off the attacks of Tolima, looking to counter-attack instead of taking unnecessary risks.
- Universitario have one win and one loss at home with four goals in their two group games at Estadio Monumental.
Deportes Tolima
- Deportes Tolima are second in Group B with seven points from five games.
- Tolima’s coach Lucas González has installed some good collective pressing into his team in the few months he has been in charge, but the main feature of the side is their ability to transition quickly after the ball and attack vertically.
- Tolima have lost both their away games in the Copa Libertadores so far and shipped six goals in the process.
- Their last three matches include back-to-back wins over Deportivo Pasto and a 3-0 defeat away to Coquimbo Unido in the Copa Libertadores.
Recent meeting
The last meeting, six weeks ago, ended in a goalless draw at Tolima’s Estadio Manuel Murillo Toro .
Standouts
- Edison Flores is in fine form for the Crema, scoring two goals in his last five appearances.
- Jersson Gonzalez is Tolima’s main goal threat with two goals in the Copa Libertadores Group B.
Betting Insights
With Universitario’s improved coach and both teams’ respective away and home form taken into account, a draw with both teams to score and over 2.5 goals looks the best wager, with the odds 3.33 , 2.53 and 2.15 respectively.
Prediction
Universitario de Deportes will face off against Deportes Tolima in a vital Copa Libertadores group stage game on Wednesday that could swing momentum on the continent for either side.
