Velez Sarsfield will be looking for a point in their final group match at the Copa Libertadores to advance into the competition’s knockout stage when they host Estudiantes at Estadio Jose Amalfitani with kickoff at 2:15 am.
After they took just a single point in their first three matches, Velez Sarsfield regained some momentum by collecting four points in their last two group games and moving into a second-place with Braga.
The clubs will be forced to go for it against each other in the final game of the round-robin phase, as both sides are tied with 16 points.
Velez traditionally plays an open soccer style that leaves them vulnerable in transition, having conceded seven straight goals in all competitions.
The team may also be extra motivated by past experiences; they’ve made it into the knockout stage at this tournament every time they’ve qualified for this event since their first appearance in 2000.
The former four-time winners of Copa Libertadores, Estudiantes, have now made it to the knockout stage of this competition in five out of their last six appearances.
They may not always look eager to attack. Still, they seem to know exactly where to position themselves defensively, conceding just a single shot on target in their previous three group fixtures.
Velez Sarsfield vs Estudiantes Head to Head
Both sides have ten games against each other, with the hosts taking three wins while the visitors have five wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Nacional 2-3 Sarsfield
- Santa Fe 1-2 Sarsfield
- Bragantino 1-1 Sarsfield
- Sarsfield 3-2 Tigre
Away
- Braganinto 0-1 Estudiantes
- Estudiantes 1-1 Argentina Juniors
- Central 3-1 Estudiantes
- Estudiantes 1-0 Nacional
Velez Sarsfield Team News
Matias de los Santos and Lucas Janson have each scored two goals to lead Velez Sarsfield in this tournament. They defeated Nacional with Maximo Perrone’s first goal in the competition. Lautaro Giannetti suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament last month. He will not be available until November. Luca Orellano leads them in assists with three, setting up their opening goal on Wednesday.
Estudiantes Team News
Ezequiel Munoz will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament, while Leandro Diaz, who leads them in assists so far with three in their first five games, has yet to find the back of the net.
Prediction and Odds
The longer the match stays scoreless, the more Velez Sarsfield will be forced to gamble, leaving Los Pincharratas with more chances to score.
- Away Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- First Half: 0-0
