Nacional vs Libertad
Estadio Arsenio Erico
06/06/2012, 15.00 (20.00 BST)
The game between these two sides was postponed due to Libertad’s Copa Libertadores committments, with neither side depleted by international call ups they rescheduled for this week to finally get up to speed. If Libertad can string together wins in this fixture and their following against Olimpia then they must be considered title contenders. For Nacional the game comes one day after their 108th birthday and they will hope to celebrate in style.
Home Team
Teixeira and Miers in training this week – Photo: Club Nacional Prensa
Nacional confirmed today (Tuesday) that Gustavo Moringio will stay on as head coach for the Clausura tournament, he originally came in on an interim basis following Javier Torrente’s departure. One player who isn’t staying is Herminio Miranda, the central defender plays his last game for the club tomorrow before heading to Mexican outfit, Puebla. The break certainly came at the right time for La Academia who had been on a horrible run of just one win in eight games before the mid-season recess. They are missing some key players through international call ups and injury which will could take its toll tomorrow. The plus point for the home side is that they have won four of their last five against Libertad at the Arsenio Erico.
Probable XI: I. Don, G. Noguera, R. Piris, H. Miranda, D. Caniza; C. Ruiz Peralta, D. Orué, S. Torales, J. González; R. Teixeira, G.Cano
International call ups: Ricardo Mazacotte, Marcos Riveros
Injured: Ariel Bogado
Suspended: None
Away Team
Moreira races away in training – Photo: Club Libertad Prensa
This is a crunch game for Libertad who know that a win puts them just six points behind Olimpia who they play next week. The team haven’t rested as much as the other sides owing to the Copa Libertadores campaign that ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Universidad de Chile. The gumarelo played very well in that quarter-final tie and they have looked very good since April (they picked up five wins out of six). The injury to Sergio Aquino will be covered by Jonathan Santana or free kick specialist Victor Ayala.
Probable XI: R. Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; R.Gamarra, J. Santana, V.Caceres, L. Civelli; P. Velazquez, J.A. Nuñez.
International call ups: None
Injured: Pedro Sarabia, Sergio Aquino
Suspended: None
Head-to-Head
P W D L F A GD
Libertad – 206 75 73 58 315 247 +68
Nacional – 206 58 73 75 247 315 -68
Prediction: Libertad know this is a make or break game and with no international call ups or any Copa Libertadores distractions they can field a full strength side and post an important away win, 1-2
By Ralph Hannah
After spending what I feel is way too much time pondering this match, I’m going with a 2-3 result for this afternoon’s match. I really need to get to work.