After a long international break, Velez Sarsfield marks their return to field action this week when they take on Barcelona SC in the Copa Libertadores in the last 16-tie. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Jose Amalfitani with kickoff at 1:15 am.
The Fort earned a second spot qualification in Group G after picking up ten points from their last six matches. On the other hand, the visitors topped Group B while taking four wins and one draw in their last six matches in the qualification campaign.
Velez Sarsfield returns to action at the Jose Amalfitani after over a two-month break. A win this week will see the side advance to the quarter-finals for the first time in nine years. Also, the last competitive match was back in May in their goalless draw to Flamengo.
In addition, the home side finished at the top of the Argentina Apertura while winning one of the last 13 matches in the league. However, the Fort failed short in the quarter-final clash with Racing Club, losing 4-2 on penalties.
Moreover, there is a new managerial role at the camp with Mauricio Pellegrino returning to the Copa Libertadores.
On the other hand, Barcelona lost a couple of chances in their division. First, the side lost the Supercopa de Ecuador final to LDU Quito. In addition, a draw against Emerlec denied them a chance to climb on top of the Primera Etapa.
Velez Sarsfield vs Barcelona SC Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Flamengo 0-0 Velez
- Velez 2-1 Union La Calera
- Sarsfield 0-0 Racing Club
- Velez 3-1 LDU Quito
- Gimnasia y Esgrima 0-5 Velez
Away
- Barcelona SC 1-1 Emerlec
- Barcelona SC 0-1 LDU Quito
- Catolica 2-0 Barcelona SC
- Barcelona SC 3-1 Santos
- Barcelona 4-0 CD Olmedo
Velez Sarsfield Team News
Left-back Francisco Ortega will serve his game suspension during their final clash with Flamengo. Thus, we might see the debut of youngster Tomas Cavanagh together with full-back Tomas Guidara.
Barcelona SC Team News
Gabriel Marques, Dario Aimar and Pedro Velasco remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Also, the attacking line is likely to get lead by Carlos Garces. Other available attacking options available on the flanks include Emmanuel Martinez and Michael Hoyos.
Prediction and Odds
Barcelona has a good defensive setup that only conceded three goals in the competition; thus we envisage the same this week.
- Barcelona SC Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Home
