Apertura 2013 Week 4: Cerro Porteño vs Libertad and Luque vs Guarani previews

Cerro Porteño vs Libertad is the headline act on Sunday but before the Copa Libertadores competitors face off there is an intriguing match between Sportivo Luqueño and Guarani with Pablo Caballero under great pressure to get a result against his old club. Following last weekend’s derby defeat the Luque coach offered his resignation which wasn’t accepted by the board.

Sportivo Luqueño vs Guarani
Feliciano Cáceres, Luque
03/03/2013; 17:30 (20:30 GMT)
TV: Unicanal (Paraguay)

After 270 minutes of football, Luque are yet to register a goal in the Apertura although they have also only conceded once. Guaraní on the other hand are the joint topscorers with seven strikes in three matches and are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. Luque’s last win in this fixture was in March 2011, since then they’ve lost five and drawn two.

Teams in the last game at Feliciano Caceres – Photo: Prensa Club Sportivo Luqueño

Pablo Caballero’s side can’t buy a goal – but it isn’t a new problem – in last year’s Apertura when he managed today’s opponents Guaraní he often struggled to break teams down or find the net. With the departure of last year’s captain and topscorer (from right back!) Claudio David Vargas the auriazul are finding it hard to score. The good news for Caballero is that Benfica have loaned back the extremely talented Claudio Correa who is likely to start today.

Guarani have been looking good this year, even in the defeat to Olimpia they created plenty of chances and threatened to equalise. Luis de la Cruz is doing very well and maturing as a player, Rodrigo Teixeira and Dante López are beginning to gel up front with the Brazilian netting in his last two games. The only injury is to goalkeeper Paulo Aurrecochea who is replaced by Alfredo Aguilar.

This could be yet another win for the aurinegro and more problems for Luque.

Prediction: 0-1

Best Bet: The away win looks like good odds at 2.36

Luque XI (probable): Ever Caballero; Victor Dávalos, Gonzalo Maulella, Denis Caniza, Ariel Coronel; William Schuster, Reinaldo Ocampo, Juan Abente, Juan Pablo Raponi; Ariel Bogado, Claudio Correa

Guarani XI (probable): Alfredo Aguilar; Tomas Bartomeus, Julio Cesar Caceres, Luis Cabral, Edgar Aranda; Luis de la Cruz, Marcelo Palau, Miguel Paniagua, Ivan Gonzalez Ferreira; Dante Lopez, Rodrigo Teixeira

There is a live market of this game available on Betfair

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Libertad vs Cerro Porteño
Defensores del Chaco, Asunción
03/03/2013; 19:40 (22:40 GMT)
TV: Unicanal (Paraguay)

Arguably the last thing either side wanted before crucial home Copa Libertadores games next week is what is an ‘unofficial clásico’ between the most successful Paraguayan sides this century, Cerro and Libertad have picked up 14 of the 18 domestic titles on offer since 2000. Both managers are treating this fixture with the respect it deserves so expect full strength sides in what promises to be a full-blooded contest.

Oviedo and Velazquez battle it out in a previous meeting – Photo: D10.com.py

Libertad have been so good this year, the only belmish a defeat to Nacional last week, but they bounced back immediately with a fabulous victory over Palmeiras. See my previous blogs for what I think of Guiñazu, but also the best partnership in Paraguayan football is undoubtedly José Ariel Nuñez and Pablo Velázquez – the two complement each other so well. To complete the set let’s look at the defence, by far the best backline in the division, they are so strong in all areas.

Cerro are full of plenty of talent themselves, the Oviedo-Dos Santos-Fabbro trinity is so destructive when it clicks and the recent incorporation up front Angel Romero looks like a fantastic talent. He is full of clever runs and can make the space that Fabbro needs to work his magic. The defence is going to be tested today with a lot of pressure on young Teodoro Paredes shoulders who plays at centre-back.

It could well be a draw, but if anybody is going to snatch this I think Libertad have the edge.

Prediction: 2-1

Best Bet: BTTS seems good because although Libertad are strong defensively they’ve only one cleansheet in 8 meetings with Cerro

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Carlos Bonet, Teodoro Paredes, Luis Cardozo, Sergio Vergara; Mathias Corujo, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio dos Santos; Jonathan Fabbro; Angel Romero, Santiago Salcedo

Libertad XI (probable): Rodrigo Muñoz; Jorge Moreira, Pedro Benítez, Ismael Benegas, Gustavo Mencia; Nelson Romero, Pablo Guiñazú, Osmar Molinas, William Mendieta; Pablo Velázquez, José Ariel Nuñez

There is a live market of this game available on Betfair

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Non-televised matches

Gral Díaz vs Sol de América
Ricardo Gregor, Asunción
03/03/2013; 17:30 (20:30 GMT)
Prediction: 1-0

The league leaders look unstoppable at the moment, well organised and with the ability to score at least once each game. Sol de América deceived us with a fantastic win on the opening day but haven’t been as impressive since. The momentum is with the aguilas and I really think this could be their fourth straight win.

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Capiatá vs Nacional
Estadio de Capiatá, Capiatá
03/03/2013; 17:30 (20:30 GMT)
Prediction: 1-3

Nacional did very well in the previous game against Libertad and have been finding the net in each game which is bad news for the home side who have been leaking goals. Even in the Intermedia they didn’t manage to string together a lot of back-to-back wins which makes me think the points will go to the away side in this one.

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Cerro de Franco vs Carapeguá
Estadio Felipe Gimenez, Presidente Franco
03/03/2013; 17:30 (20:30 GMT)
Prediction: 2-1

Last year’s promoted sides face off in the eastern border of the country, the home advantage is likely to be enough in this one with Carapeguá always struggling outside of Paraguarí department. In fact Cerro de Franco have won all four meetings between these two teams in Primera. If anything there should be goals from both sides with neither defence very strong.

By Ralph Hannah

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Apertura 2013 Week 1: Luque vs Olimpia preview

Three more games this weekend to round off the start of the Apertura campaign, the main match is of course Olimpia’s trip to Luque with the promoted clubs also in action.

Sportivo Luqueño vs Olimpia
Feliciano Cáceres, Luque
10/02/2013; 19:00 (22:00 GMT)
TV: Unicanal (Paraguay)

Olimpia’s league season begins with a visit to a re-vamped Luque side featuring just a handful of players from their previous encounter.  The auriazul are on a run of three consecutive wins against their old rival in this stadium, Olimpia’s last triumph at the Feliciano Cáceres was a 4-1 victory in the 2011 Apertura although only four players survive from that victory.

Luque won the last game at the Feliciano Cáceres – Photo: Fernando Romero, ABC Color

Luque have continued with manager Pablo Caballero who will hand debuts to the experienced Denis Caniza and Javier Gonzalez – once again the threat of relegation casts a dark shadow over the Feliciano Cáceres, they need to make sure they outperform newly promoted neighbours General Díaz and Deportivo Capiatá to remain in the Primera come December.

Olimpia have resisted the temptation to rest players with Thursday’s trip to Rosario in mind, much of today’s starting XI are likely to line up against Newell’s Old Boys. Juan Carlos Ferreyra has scored twice against the Kuré previously and Fredy Bareiro was on target in the previous match, they will be relying on the service from Salguerio.

Expect this to be a close and hard fought game, Ever Almeida showed us against Defensor Sporting that he wants his side to be mean at the back and the defensive three of Candia, Miranda and Meza look like they could form a strong coalition. As for Luque they have three midfielders who have tormented Olimpia in the past in Francisco Garcia, Juan Pablo Raponi and Luis Miño – if they can work well and evade Aranda and Ortiz then there could be some joy for the men in blue and gold.

Prediction: 0-1

Best Bet: Hard game to bet on as the last four meetings in this stadium have gone over 2.5 but my instinct says Ever Almeida will want to keep things tight so I think the away win is the bet to make.

Luque XI (probable): Joel Silva; Victor Dávalos, Gonzalo Maluella, Denis Caniza, Ariel Coronel; William Schuster, Luis Miño, Juan Pablo Raponi, Francisco Garcia; Javier Gonzalez, José Carlos Burgos

Olimpia XI (probable): Martin Silva; Salustiano Candia, Herminio Miranda, Enrique Meza; Jorge Báez, Eduardo Aranda, Ricardo Ortiz, Alejandro Silva; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Juan Carlos Ferreyra, Fredy Bareiro

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Non-televised games

Rubio Ñu vs Cerro de Franco
Estadio La Arboleda
10/02/2013; 17:30 (20:30 GMT)
Prediction: 2-0

Rubio Ñu were very poor last year but they have the advantage that Chiqui Arce has stayed on, bought in a few experienced faces (mainly from relegated Tacuary), while Cerro de Franco dismissed Eduardo Rivera and lost a couple of their best performers last year. Crucially they don’t have Rogerio Leichtweiss who was so important up front last year – the albiverde however have Jorge Ortega and Hugo Lusardi who have the capability of finding the net.

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Gral. Diaz vs Deportivo Capiatá
Dos Bocas
10/02/2013; 18:30 (21:30 GMT)
Prediction: 3-1

Although the game is on neutral venue I think General Diaz’s quality on paper will be too much for their rivals, Antonio Bareiro was a class act in the Intermedia last year and he could well be the difference today. In the last meeting Capiatá won 1-0 but prior to that it was a 4-0 rout for the side from Luque.

By Ralph Hannah

NB: For more previews you can visit CaStRoF betting tips who often features detailed previews of football from around the world

Clausura 2012: Cerro de Franco vs Libertad preview and more

Cerro de Franco vs Libertad
Estadio Presidente Franco
07/12/2012; 17:15 (20:15 GMT)

Joint league leaders Libertad are first to play in the penultimate weekend of the season, they travel 330 km to the east of the country to face Cerro de Franco who started life under new manager Juan Manuel Battaglia with an impressive draw against Olimpia. While in theory Cerro de Franco have nothing left to play for there is likely to be a big incentive (read win bonus) for the home side coming from Nacional and Guarani.

Cerro de Franco’s stadium – Photo: D10.com.py

Cerro de Franco will put out a strong side with players desperate to get a result to improve their points total for next year’s promedio  and get a big win bonus. Top scorer Rogerio Leichtweis is unavailable (he is owned by Libertad) so Samudio and López start up front. Fulvio Duarte is back from suspension and will slot into midfield. The side are on a poor run at the moment, one goal in the previous five games (3 defeats, 2 draws).

Libertad by contrast have won their last four matches scoring 15 goals in the process! The duo of Pablo Velazquez and José Ariel Nuñez has been too hot for most defences to handle with one of the pair scoring in 9 of the previous 11 games, showing their importance to the side. If those two click it could be carnage in Alto Parana!

Prediction: 0-2

Best Bet: Away win, it might be difficult though with the home team playing for money and the heat expected to be around 35c but Libertad have won all three games without conceding against this rival so far in 2012

Cerro de Franco XI (probable): Miguel López; Gustavo Velázquez, Cristhian Rojas, Marcos Pérez, Cristian Ramírez; Fulvio Duarte, Óscar Benítez, Leonardo Delvalle, Miguel Godoy; Francisco López, Sergio Samudio

Libertad XI (probable): Rodrigo Muñoz, Aldo Olmedo, Joe Bizera, Ismael Benegas, Miguel Samudio; Nelson Romero, Sergio Aquino, Sebastian Eguren, William Mendieta, Pablo Velazquez, José Ariel Nuñez

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Tacuary vs Rubio Ñu
Estadio Roberto Bettega
07/12/2012; 19:00 (22:00 GMT)

Tacuary are involved in a three-way tie at the bottom of the league, the fact they are even in with a slim chance of survival is down to two things: the side finally playing somewhere close to their potential and the amazing scoring form of Nicolas Martinez (who I talked about in more depth here). Being at home and playing a rival that is in horrendous shape  - Rubio Ñu haven’t scored for two games, the last game they did score in they lost 7-2 – this should well be another win for the Tacuary ‘Lazarus’.

Prediction: 2-1

Best Bet: Home win

Tacuary XI (probable): Carlos Servín; Gustavo Gimenez, Gregor Aguayo, Diego Viera, Marcos Acostas Rojas; Reinaldo Ocampo, Pablo Espinoza, Juan Nuñez, Brian Montenegro, Nicolas Martínez, Ramón Cardozo

Rubio Ñu XI (probable): Blas Valenzeula; Arnaldo Rodriguez, Oscar Ayala, Oscar Velazquez, Nelson Ruiz; Angel Lucena, Gustavo Viera, Robert Piris, Diego Chamorro; Lauro Cazal, Francisco Vera

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Luque vs Independiente
Estadio Feliciano Cáceres
07/12/2012; 19:15 (22:15 GMT)

Martinez is the key for Tacuary – Photo: d10.com.py

Another relegation battle with two sides in danger still of dropping into the Intermedia. Independiente have been in freefall and even the unprecedented managerial-loan of Humberto Garcia from Gral. Diaz for two games (move over Alan Shearer!) probably won’t save them. Luque have a better side on paper, the players will be paid a bonus of 100 million guaranies if they win this game (and much more if they stay up) so I think that will prove sufficient motivation.

Prediction: 1-0

Best Bet: Home win

Luque XI (probable): Tobias Vargas; Luciano Vera, Gonzalo Maulella, Sergio Vergara, Claudio Vargas; Juan Pablo Raponi, William Schuster, Juan Abente, Edgar Robles; José Burgos, Guido di Vanni

Independiente XI (probable): Roque Cardozo; Victor Davalos, Michel Godoy, Sergio Almirón, Mario Cáceres; Michel Romero, Luis Miño, José Baez, Francisco Garcia; Gabriel Avalos, Gabriel Vieira

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By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Rubio Ñu vs Nacional and Cerro Porteño vs Sportivo Luqueño preview

The football fixtures for Saturday in the Paraguay Clausura involve two teams with nothing to play for and two teams with everything at stake at either ends of the table. Nacional travel to Rubio Ñu hoping to emulate Libertad (who won 5-0 last night away to Independiente) and go joint top of the table while Luque are hoping to take something from their game against bitter rivals Cerro Porteño in La Olla to all but guarantee safety.

Rubio Ñu vs Nacional
La Arboleda
01/12/2012; 17:00 (20:00 GMT)

The tranquil area around La Arboleda will be all noise and colour on Saturday afternoon as Nacional fans descend from the South of the city to cheer on Gustavo Morinigio’s side. The 35-year-0ld has moulded a fine side that used their excellent home form to keep them in the chase and have risen to the challenge in the second half of the season with seven wins from their previous eight. They face Chiqui Arce’s Rubio Ñu side that has been a shadow of their former selves, greatly feeling the loss of players such as Derlis Gonzalez, Eric Ramos and Neri Cardozo who went to Europe with just the latter returning but seriously injured.

Nacional beat Carapeguá in their last game and are on a great run – Photo: Prensa Club Nacional

Nacional have been sharing the goals r0und well recently, six different scorers in their previous five games, and while Rodrigo Teixeira is the striker leading the line they have goals all over the pitch with midfielders Marcos Melgarejo and Carlos Ruiz Peralta finding the net recently while Javier Gonzalez popped up with a crucial goal to break down Carapeguá in the last game, his first since September.

Rubio Ñu have struggled so much in the offensive department, their average of 0.951 goals per game during 2012 is the lowest in the country (Tacuary have edged up to 0.952) and it is a direct result of losing Derlis Gonzalez and Carlos Correa to Benfica while the excellent Neri Cardozo suffered a serious injury while on-loan to Viking in Norway and has been recovering for most of the Clausura. One positive is the return of young goalkeeper Jorge Chena from a cruciate knee ligament injury, I was there in February when he suffered the injury just a routine goal kick and very happy to see him back in the albiverde side.

Nacional slipped up against Sol in their previous away game but they’ve always been strong playing ‘catch-up’ and knowing they need a win to stay in touch with Libertad should spur them on to yet another win.

Prediction: 0-2

Best Bet: Away win

Rubio Ñu XI (probable): Jorge Chena; Arnaldo Rodriguez, Oscar Velazquez, Oscar Ayala, Nelson Ruiz; Angel Lucena, Roberto Piris, Jorge Britez, Diego Chamorro; Lauro Cazal, Juan Maldonado

Nacional XI (probable): Ignacio Don; Ramon Coronel, Raul Piris, Leonardo Caceres, Marcos Miers; Carlos Ruiz Peralta, Marcos Riveros, Silvio Torales, Marcos Melagerjo; Javier Gonzalez, Rodrigo Teixeira

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Cerro Porteño vs Sportivo Luqueño
La Olla
01/12/2012; 19:15 (22:15 GMT)

Cerro Porteño have lost the previous two  gamesas they are left with nothing to play for in their centenary year, already qualified for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana and without a chance of winning the league they are just going through the motions. The most significant decision will be after the final whistle when Jorge Fossati confirms if he is to extend his contract or not. For Luque this  a bonus opportunity to grab the precious points they need to confirm survival. Thanks to Independiente’s defeat they can’t fall into the relgation zone this weekend anyway and that might just take the pressure off an allow them to play even more freely against their old rival.

Hard game to call, Cerro are the better side, they are strong at home but as we saw against Sol de América when there is nothing to play for they can quite easily take their foot off the pedal and get beaten.

Prediction: 1-2

Best Bet: BTTS

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Diego Viera, Pedro Benítez, Luis Cardozo; Carlos Bonet, Alexis Gonzalez, Julio Dos Santos, José Domingo Salcedo; Jonathan Fabbro; Roberto Nanni, Santiago Salcedo

Luque XI (probable): Tobías Vargas; Luciano Vera, Gonzalo Mauluella, Sergio Vergara, Claudio Vargas; Juan Pablo Raponi, William Schuster, Edgar Robles, Juan Abente; José Burgos, Guido di Vanni

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Nacional vs Olimpia preview

The title lies! Other than the main preview, Saturday’s other games are below too.

Nacional vs Olimpia
Estadio Arsenio Erico
17/11/2012; 17:00 (20:00 GMT)

Following Guaraní’s defeat to Tacuary on Friday night this match has taken on monumental significance, if Nacional can manage their fifth consecutive win they will go top, if Olimpia are victorious they will be within three points of the summit. The magnitude of the game is even bigger for some players with Olympique Marseille and Newcastle United scouts reported to be attending. For the first time since 1994 El Decano visit the Arsenio Erico following the home team’s players request for the game be played there. It definitely give thems more of an advantage than playing in the wide open spaces of the Defensores del Chaco.

These two have had plenty of classic games in recent years

Nacional have no need to change the side that has brought them 12 points from a possible 12, the only change that we might see is Cáceres Cañete coming in for Luis Ovelar as manager Gustavo Moriginio banks on experience. Brazilian striker Rodrigo Teixeira has been going through a purple patch recently with six goals in the previous six games, he offers a physical presence up front and will look to ruffle the feathers of El Decano’s defence. The other man to watch is Marcos Melagerjo on the left-hand side, hardly considered by Libertad during the Apertura he has returned to his home club and is a threat on the left-hand-side.

Olimpia aren’t quite as settled in their formation and had been blighted by injuries but they can recall their key strikers Arnaldo Castorino and Fredy Bareiro who have shaken off a muscle injury and the flu. The key battle is likely to be Juan Manuel Salgueiro against Nacional’s holding midfielder Marcos Riveros, if the Uruguayan can get the better of the Paraguay international then Olimpia have a much better chance of taking all three points. The stats aren’t looking great for the visitors however, they haven’t won away from Para Uno in five games, the last win coming against Tacuary.

Nacional XI (probable): Ignacio Don; Ramón Coronel, Raúl Piris, David Mendoza, Marcos Miers; Carlos Ruiz Peralta, Marcos Riveros, Silvio Torales, Marcos Melgarejo; César Cáceres Cañete//Luis Ovelar, Rodrigo Teixeira

Olimpia XI (probable): Martín Silva; Salustiano Candia, Julio César Cáceres, Eugenio Montiel; Eduardo Aranda, Miguel Amado, Richard Ortiz, Sebastián Ariosa; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Arnaldo Castorino, Fredy Bareiro

Prediction: 1-1

Selected Odds: Nacional win 2.22, Draw 3.05, Olimpia win 2.66

Best Bet: Bit leftfield today but these sides are two of the few that score more first half goals than second half goals, so maybe 1.5 goals in 1st half, or just Over 2.5 goals on the basis you should be able to cash out if necessary

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Independiente vs Rubio Ñu
Estadio Ricardo Gregor
17/11/12; 17:00 (22:00 GMT)

Prediction: 1-1

Inde play Rubio Ñu at the Gregor – Photo: D10.com.py

The home side have tumbled down the ‘promedio’ standings and relegation is a very real possibility giving meaning to this meeting with neighbours Rubio Ñu. Independiente have just one win in their last 19 games while Rubio Ñu have just 2 in 22 (with one of those coming over Independiente). So we can’t hope for much today, probably a dull game between two woeful teams although there are some exciting young individuals on show – Francisco Garcia on the home team and both Alberto Contrera and Diego Chamorro are all midfielders capable of beating their man and using their skill to create goalscoring opportunities.

Independiente XI (probable): Roque Cardozo; Víctor Dávalos, Michel Godoy, José Báez, Mario Cáceres; Michel Romero, Luis Miño, Aldo Vera, Francisco Garcia; Juvenal Cardozo, Luciano Ursino

Rubio Ñu XI (probable): Wilson Quiñonez; Arnaldo Rodriguez, Oscar Velazquez, Nelson Ruiz, Angel Lucena;  Roberto Acuña, Robert Piris, Diego Chamorro, Alberto Contrera, Cristian Ledesma, Oscar Ruiz

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals

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Sportivo Luqueño vs Sol de América
Estadio Feliciano Cáceres
17/11/12; 18:00 (21:00 GMT)

Prediction: 1-0

Luque and Sol go head to head

A win for the home team could see them get out of the drop zone at Independiente’s expense depending on the result of the earlier kick off. Both of these sides can be considered fairly inconsistent, Luque’s six-game unbeaten streak was quickly forgotten as they’ve now lost four of their subsequent six matches. Sol de América may have won less games than Tacuary in the Clausura but they’ve also lost less than Guaraní and Nacional, that means a lot of draws – 9 to be precise. So it comes as no surprise that their last three games have been stalemates two of them goalless. I think the Kuré will win at home, while their recent record at the Feliciano Cáceres looks awful on paper (Pld 5 D 1 L 4) they have played Cerro Porteño, Nacional, Guaraní and Libertad in that spate of games so this marks a chance to get points on the board, get the fans on side and take some of the heat off Pablo Caballero.

Luque XI (probable): Tobías Vargas; Luciano Vera, Rolando Bogado, Sergio Vergara; Claudio Vargas, Edgar Robles, Juan Abente, Carlos Martínez, Juan Raponi; Guido di Vanni, Gerzon Chacón

Sol de América XI (probable): Roberto Acosta; Robert Bonet, Ricardo Martinez, Bruno Valdez, Diego Ciz; Sergio Escalante, Edgar Orzusa, Alfredo Mazacotte, David Mendieta; Esteban Rivas, Diego Vázquez

Best Bet: Luque Double Chance or Unders are way to go here

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Libertad vs Carapeguá
Tuyucuá
17/11/12, 19:00 (22:00 GMT)

Prediction: 1-1

The prediction seems wild but then Libertad have never beaten Carapeguá in their previous three meetings which might be a mental thing. There is also the fact that the Guma really missed José Ariel Nuñez in last week’s goalless draw against Sol de América and he serves the final game of his suspension today. Carapeguá have three wins in their last five (Libertad only have two) and seem to have unearthed another gem in David Pereira who scored just 13 minutes into his senior debut last weekend. This game should be on TV therefore available on a stream.

Libertad XI (probable): Rodrigo Muñoz; Aldo Olmedo, Joe Bizera, Ismael Benegas, Gustavo Mencia; Luis Cáceres, Sergio Aquino, Osmar Molinas, Miguel Samudio; Cristian Menendez, Pablo Velázquez

Carapeguá XI (probable): Faiano Heves; Raúl Cáceres, Derlis Correa, Celso Gonzalez Fleitas, Cristian Martinez, Michel Valenzuela, Diosnel Almirón, Isaias Ibarra, Arnulfo Colmán, David Pereira

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals

By Ralph Hannah

International Friendly: Paraguay vs Guatemala – 14 November 2012

Paraguay vs Guatemala
Estadio Feliciano Cáceres
14/11/2012, 20.00 hs (23.00 hs GMT)

Four times in one year, it has been jokingly dubbed ‘El Clásico’, as Paraguay face Guatemala in yet another international friendly following the late cancellation of the game with Puerto Rico. They return to the scene of the first game in Luque which the albirroja  won 2-1 . In Guatemala City it was also a victory for the South Americans but there was some fight back in round three, a 3-3 draw in Washington DC the highlight being Jonathan Fabbro’s international debut.

The first game in Luque finished 2-1 to Paraguay

Gerardo Pelusso has named a fairly strong team although if the truth be told we are not sure what his best side is and neither is he, there have been 25 players used in the first five games – Cristian Riveros and Paulo Da Silva the only to start every match. Jonathan Fabbro (2 starts, 3 sub appearances) and Víctor Cáceres (4 starts, 1 sub appearance) have also featured in all five. The Uruguayan has all but confirmed his starting eleven for tomorrow as he looks to play with a 4-3-3 formation he often used at Olimpia.

The basic idea will be for Ortiz and Oviedo to play as holding midfielders giving Julio Dos Santos license to find space in the final third to either hit Luis Caballero with balls into feet or find Nuñez and Benítez over the top. The latter two will almost certainly have too much pace for the Guatemala backline so if Dos Santos finds his range they could have a lot of joy down the flanks.

From Russia with Love, Caballero has traveled 13,000 km to be here – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

From what we’ve seen of Guatemala they like to play possession football and they usually go through Marco Pappa who I believe isn’t available for this friendly. The other player that caused problems three months ago was ‘Pescadito’ Ruíz, a slippery player that will cause Da Silva and Aguilar some problems if he starts.

PREDICTION: Paraguay at home must win this, 2-0

BEST BET: Haven’t seen any odds but would be very confident of home win looking at stats below

Paraguay XI probable (4-3-3): Diego Barreto; Iván Piris, Pablo Aguilar, Paulo Da Silva, Miguel Samudio; Richard Ortiz, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos; José Ariel Nuñez, Luis Caballero, Edgar Benítez

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STATS

Paraguay record vs Guatemala: Pld 9 W 7 D 2 L 0 GF 20 GA 9

Paraguay in Luque: Pld 4 W 2 D 1 L 1 GF 4 GA 3

Most frequent scoreline at home, 1-0 to Paraguay (23 times)

Paraguay vs CONCACAF opposition at home: Pld 8 W 7 D 1 L 0

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Full Squad list

Goalkeepers: Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Antony Silva (Deportes Tolima, Colombia)

Defenders: Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca, México), Pablo Aguilar (Tijuana, México), Iván Piris (Roma, Italy), Miguel Samudio (Libertad, Paraguay), Gustavo Mencia (Libertad, Paraguay), Salustiano Candia (Olimpia, Paraguay), Claudio Vargas (Sportivo Luqueño, Paraguay)

Midfielders: Víctor Cáceres (Flamengo, Brasil), Hernán Pérez (Villarreal, Spain), Víctor Ayala (Lanús, Argentina), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia, Paraguay), Marcelo Estigarribia (Sampdoria, Italy), Lorenzo Melgarejo (Benfica, Portugal), Fidencio Oviedo (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Julio Dos Santos (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay).

Strikers: Rogerio Leichtweis (Cerro de Franco), Edgar Benítez (Toluca, México), Luis Caballero (Krylya Sovetov, Russia), José Ariel Núñez (Libertad, Paraguay).

** Justo Villar (Estudiantes) and Lucas Barrios (Guangzhou Evergrande) are injured

By Ralph Hannah

Week 11 Wrap: Form is temporary, class is permanent as big teams take maximum points

Not a single draw in the league this weekend as the favourites won every game and for the first time in a long time Olimpia, Cerro Porteño and Libertad all recorded wins to nil. Here we go through each game briefly.

Nacional vs Independiente
5-1 – Teixeira (2), Cáceres Cañete, Ruiz Peralta, D. Orué; E.Biancucchi

Nacional kept up their good record in the Estadio Arsenio Erico and are going through a good period at the moment, with three wins in their last four games. They also maintained their remarkable run against Independiente and have now put five past them in the previous three games having won 5-2 and 5-0 earlier in the year.

Guaraní vs Rubio Ñu
2-0 – Dante López, Diego Centurión

Nice collage of Guaraní’s game – Photo: Prensa Club Guaraní

The aurinegro’s wonderful campaign continues, they are eight in front of second place at the halfway stage having taken 28 from a possible 33 points. Diego Centurión has been the star scoring nine goals in eleven games with four of them, like his goal against Rubio Ñu, coming from headers. The away team’s problem has been goals, just seven so far as Chiqui Arce really misses a striker.

Luque vs Libertad
0-2 – Romero, Nuñez

Wasn’t an easy debut for the Luque keeper – Photo: Prensa Sportivo Luqueño

Luque lost their first game at home this season, which says a lot about how well Libertad are playing right now. In the preview I also mentioned the pressure on their 20-yr-old keeper who was at fault for the opening goal. The result sees Libertad join Luque in second place as they continue their chase for a spot in the 2013 Copa Libertadores.

Cerro de Franco vs Sol de América
0-1 – Cecilio Dominguez

A very good win for the danzarín who compounded Cerro de Franco to their fifth winless game the kind of form that could put them back in the danger zone. The only goal of the game was by 18-year-old Cecilio Dominguez who had come on as a sub. The teenager has already caught the eye with the Paraguay U20s side in a recent tournament.

Olimpia vs Carapeguá
3-0 – Richard Ortiz, Maxi Biancucchi, Fredy Bareiro

A win after three consecutive draws gave Olimpia fans something to cheer about, the first goal was a ‘rocket’ from Richard Ortiz who is one of the brightest young hopes in the country. Biancucchi scored a rare header while Fredy Bareiro notched the third which incidentally is his third goal in as many games. If they are to get a spot in the Copa Libertadores next year they will need ‘zorro’ Bareiro  to keep this run going.

Tacuary vs Cerro Porteño
0-2 – Nanni (2)

The Argentine veteran Roberto Nanni was the hero as El Ciclón finally ended a sequence of four consecutive league draws. He was handed an opportunity to open the scoring on the stroke of halftime when Ronald Huth inexplicably stuck out an arm in the penalty area to bring down a cross. The second goal came soon after the break, a good move involving Walter López and Julio Dos Santos culminating in Nanni’s finish. Tacuary are in freefall, they are surelty going to be relegated and in the wake of this latest result have sacked three players and sent three more to train with the youth teams.

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OFF THE BALL

Johnny Fabbro did a Mike Ashley (sort of) last night at the game, eating ice cream and posing for photos amongst Cerro fans at La Olla t – he wasn’t eligible for the game having been called up to the national team.

Staying with Cerro Porteño and they are the only team in action on international weekend, a friendly against Boca Juniors for their centenary celebrations.

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Week 9 Preview

We run from Saturday to Monday this weekend, Guaraní given an extra days recovery following their trip to Colombia in midweek. Sunday is the rare spectacle of a Cerro/Olimpia double header on the TV, both allowed to play on the same day with the fans sufficiently separated, Cerro in Luque and Olimpia in Ciudad del Este.

Nacional vs Rubio Ñu (TV)
Arsenio Erico
22/09/2012, 15:15
Prediction: 2-0

Nacional practice before Rubio Ñu game – Photo: Prensa Club Nacional

Nacional are the dark horses in this year’s tournament, while Guaraní and Luque took most of the limelight usually afforded the big three the Academia have quietly gone about their business and collected 13 points so far. With Rubio Ñu awful on their travels – just one point and one goal in their last five away games – this should be a home win especially with their strength in central midfield.

BEST BET: Home win

Nacional XI (probable): Oscar Agüero; Ramón Coronel, Raúl Piris, Leonardo Cáceres, David Medonza; Carlos Ruiz Peralta, Silvio Torales, Marcos Riveros, César Cáceres Cañete; Javier Gonzalez, Angel Orué

Rubio Ñu XI (probable): Osvaldo Cabral; Arnaldo Rodriguez, Derlis Riveros, Oscar Velazquez, Oscar Ayala; William Santander, Fredy Coronel, Roberto Acuña, Diego Chamorro; Roberto Gamarra, Nery Cardozo

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Tacuary vs Carapeguá
Roberto Bettega
22/09/2012, 17:00
Prediction: 0-0

A basement battle between two clubs that will be playing Intermedia football next year unless they can buck up their ideas. Tacuary threatened to impress at the beginning of the season but have since gone off the boil losing their last six matches. Their best source of goals seems to be Nicolas Martinez with Ramón Cardozo only being used off the bench. Carapeguá have suffered 3-1 defeats in their last couple of outings so they will probably just want to concentrate on not conceding too many goals, their only doubt is over who will start in goal. Don’t expect a classic.

BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals

Tacuary XI (probable): Carlos Servín; Grégor Aguayo, Ronald Huth, Diego Viera, Marcos Acosta Rojas; Reinaldo Ocampo, Édgar Fernández, Juan Núñez, Marcos Giménez; Raúl Román, Nicolás Martínez

Carapeguá XI (probable): Orlando Rojas or Gustavo Arévalos; Raúl Cáceres, Rubén Maldonado, Marcos Arce; Diego Benítez, Rodrigo Soria; Walter Fleitas, Ricardo Ortiz, Jorge Ayala; Imanol Iriberri, Arnulfo Colmán.

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Sportivo Luqueño vs Cerro Porteño (TV)
Feliciano Cáceres
23/09/2012, 16:00
Prediction: 2-1

Luque will be going all out to beat Cerro – Photo: Prensa Sportivo Luqueño

Luque have their eyes on the prize, not the league title but survival, and they always treat this game like something of a derby owing to the huge rivalry between the sets of fans. Cerro for their part have their minds fully focussed on the Copa Sudamericana with next week’s trip to Argentina the priority however much the players pretend this game is important to them. With the extra motivation and Cerro likely to rest some tired legs this could be a home win, also worth noting that Luque have won 3 of last 5 against Cerro in this stadium.

Luque XI (probable): Tobías Vargas; Gerzon Chacón, Gonzalo Maulella, Rolando Bogado, Sergio Vergara; Claudio David Vargas, Édgar Robles, Juan Abente, Juan Pablo Raponi; Guido Di Vanni, Ariel Bogado

Cerro XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Gonzalo Viera, Pedro Benítez, César Benítez; Mathías Corujo, Jorge Rojas, Édgar González, Walter López; Julio Dos Santos; Alejandro Da Silva, Roberto Nanni

BEST BET: Both Teams to Score

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Libertad vs Independiente
Tuyucuá
23/09/2012, 18:00
Prediction: 1-0

Although Independiente won their last game, at home to Cerro de Franco, I expect them to lose this Sunday. Libertad have been strong at home recording 5 wins in their last 7 games and conceding just twice. The front two of Nuñez and Velázquez should be too strong for the Independiente defence.

Libertad XI (probabe): Rodrigo Muñoz; Aldo Olmedo, Joe Bizera, Ismael Benegas, Gustavo Mencia; Luis Cáceres o Nelson Romero, Sebastián Eguren, Sergio Aquino, Néstor Camacho; José Ariel Núñez, Pablo Velázquez

Independiente XI (probable): Roque Cardozo; José Báez, Milciades Portillo, Miguel Almirón, Felipe Giménez; Aldo Vera, Luis Miño, Richard Lugo, Osvaldo Díaz; Emanuel Biancucchi, Gabriel Ávalos

BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals

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Cerro de Franco vs Olimpia
Estadio Antonio Oddone Sarubbi
16/09/2012, 15:15
Prediction: 1-1

Martin Silva is one of the players angry with his president’s comments – Photo: http://www.abc.com.py

After arriving back from Ecuador on Wednesday the Olimpia team had a bit of time to let off steam (mainly towards their president who has banned the use of mobile phones after midnight) before travelling to the east of the country. The previous meeting was 3-3 and the first meeting in Ciudad del Este back in February was 0-0. I think this could be a draw again too with Olimpia definitely suffering some confidence and morale issues.

BEST BET: The way Olimpia are playing I wouldn’t fancy backing them, maybe on the DNB but a better bet is probably Under 2.5 goals

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Guaraní vs Sol de América (TV)
Dos Bocas
24/09/2012, 19:00
Prediction: 2-1

A decent performance in Colombia will have softened the blow of being knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana. Having said that Guaraní are a different proposition at home anyway, they’ve won all three league matches at Dos Bocas this season and should be able to overcome Sol de América. In fact the aurinegro have won the last five meetings at home.

BEST BET: Over 2.5 goals or Both Teams to Score

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at time of writing via Betfair for more betting tips check out CaStRoF betting tips

Week 7 Wrap: Luque go top as Guaraní are beaten in the East

In a weekend that saw Sol and Guaraní both lose their unbeaten records in the league (the only two clubs that hadn’t suffered defeat until yesterday) it can still be considered a fairly ‘normal’ week as for the first time in the Clausura the ‘Big 3′ of Cerro, Olimpia and Libertad all recorded victories. Luque were the double winners, beating Carapeguá to catch up with them in the promedio standings and moving top of the table at the same time. Here is a brief round-up of the televised games.

Tacuary vs Olimpia
Estadio Roberto Bettega
(2-2) 2-3 – Martinez, Viera; Salgueiro (2), Ortiz

Another thriller in Zeballos Cué, reminiscent of the famous Olimpia win by the same scoreline whihc effectively sealed the 2011 Clausura title. Credit must go to Tacuary who really took the game to their opponents early on and both teams played at an incredible pace in the first half. That initial forty-five minutes had four goals which left question marks hanging over both defences, particularly Olimpia’s with Alejandro Silva guilty of losing concentration to keep Nicolás Martinez onside for the opening goal. The equaliser was a touch of class from the best player on the pitch, Juan Manuel Salgueiro, the Uruguayan hit a direct freekick out of reach of Carlos Servín. Richard Ortiz scored what can only be described as a ‘playground goal’ as the ball became part of a scrap on the six-yard line following a corner. Diego Viera’s equaliser for Tacuary was also via a set piece with the free kick seemingly bouncing off a back and then an arm before being turned in. Olimpia appealed for a handball but on closer inspection it seemed to have struck their defender Enrique Meza’s forearm.

The second half saw Tacuary try and preserve the point they must have felt they had earned, they sat deep and tried to pick off Olimpia on the break. While the away side kept pushing for a winner, a turning point in the match came almost by chance – striker Arnaldo Castorino limped off with an injury and Gregorio Perez decided to send on winger Jorge Nuñez and change to a 4-4-2. The ploy worked well as Nuñez constantly put the ball into the box, it was direct but it caused unrest among the Tacuary defence. With ten minutes to go and the game still tied, Perez threw caution to the wind bringing on a striker for a defender. He got his reward for his bravery with three minutes to go, a Nuñez cross to the back post was headed back across goal by Maxi Biancucchi and Salgueiro arrived late to head in his second of the game and fourth of the season.

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Independiente vs Cerro Porteño
Estadio Defensores del Chaco
(0-0) 0-1 – Dos Santos

Like Olimpia, Cerro Porteño left it late to beat their lowly rivals in what was an exciting contest despite the lack of goals. Independiente struck the bar after just one minute through Aldo Vera and the nominal home side had several more chances to take the lead in the first half, most notably through Gabriel Avalos who got the better of Pedro Benitez only to fire over the bar. Cerro for their part were not without goalmouth action and looked particularly dangerous from set pieces as Independiente committed a lot of fouls in their own third.

Ultimately it was a moment of good fortune (coupled with Independiente’s profligacy in front of goal) that led to the winner. Julio Dos Santos whipped in a dangerous cross that evaded everybody including Blas Hermosilla and crept in. It was their 20th goal of the season scored in the last 15 minutes, an incredible statistic.

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Nacional vs Sol de América
Estadio Arsenio Erico
(1-0) 1-0 – Piris

Nacional’s captain and experienced centreback Raúl Piris got the only goal to earn the Academia their first home win of the season while condemning Sol to their first defeat. He thumped the ball into the roof of the net following a corner that wasn’t cleared properly.

Raúl Piris mobbed by teammates – Photo: Prensa Club Nacional

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Other results: As mentioned above Guaraní lost their unbeaten status when they crashed to defeat in Presidente Franco against Cerro de Franco, it was an excellent home win for the azulgrana who profited from Rogerio Leichtweis to score the only goal of the game. Luque were comfortable winners over Carapeguá, 3-1 with

Saguier gone: Carlos Jara Saguier has announced his resignation following Independiente’s latest defeat, the man who guided Paraguay to their only Olympic medal (Silver 2004) said he is ‘tired’ and has stepped aside.

Team of the Week: Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño); Claudio David Vargas (Luque), Raúl Piris (Nacional), Mariano Uglessich (Cerro Porteño), Walter López (Cerro Porteño); Carlos Ruiz Peralta (Nacional), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia), Juan Manuel Salgueiro (Olimpia), Aldo Vera (Independiente); Rogerio Leichtweis (Cerro de Franco), José Ariel Nuñez (Libertad)

Player of the Week: Juan Manuel Salgueiro deserves it this week for his two goals and another strong all-round display for Olimpia, it begs the question just why was he left out of the team that played Emelec.

Juan Manuel Salgueiro is player of the week – Photo: D10.com.py

Goal of the Week: Salgueiro’s freekick was very good but my favourite was Adrián Duarte’s late goal for Luque, he raced onto the through ball and lifted it over the goalkeeper, check it out on the link below.

ALL THE GOALS

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Week Seven Preview

Tacuary take on Olimpia on Saturday while the rest of the round’s games take place on a Super Sunday, we’re expected warm temperatures this weekend which (in my opinion but no scientific fact) usually means tighter games with less goals. I’ve recently done my homework on average goal times which I’m sharing with you all this week.

Tacuary vs Olimpia (TV)
Roberto Bettega
01/09/2012, 18:15
Prediction: 0-2

The Bettega will be used to host Olimpia

Olimpia are hoping to bounce back after their disappointing defeat to Emelec in midweek, Gergorio Perez has made several changes to that starting line up and looks to be going for an ultra offensive 4-2-1-3 formation with Biancucchi joining Castorino and Fredy Bareiro in attack. Tacuary have been dragged into the relegation zone following Carapeguá’s back-to-back wins and are 288 minutes without a goal and five games without a win. This could well be another defeat for the home side.

Olimpia XI (confirmed): Martín Silva; Alejandro Silva, Julio César Cáceres, Salustiano Candia, Enrique Meza; Eduardo Aranda, Richard Ortiz, Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Maxi Biancucchi, Arnaldo Castorino, Fredy Bareiro

Olimpia most likely to score: 31-45 mins or 76-90 mins

Tacuary most likely to score: 45-60 mins

SELECTED ODDS: Tacuary win 4.1; Draw 3.45, Olimpia win 1.65

BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals could be a good cover for the Olimpia win as this fixture has finished 0-0 in 3 out of last 6

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Cerro de Franco vs Guaraní
Estadio Cerro de Franco
02/09/2012, 15:00
Prediction: 1-1

Cerro de Franco await the league leaders – Photo: D10.com.py

Guaraní have to travel to the east of the country following their loss to Millonarios and it could be a difficult game for them if the defeat weighs heavily on their mind. Cerro de Franco have been looking good at home (3 wins in last 5) and always feel they have a chance of scoring with Rogerio Leichtweis in the team. It was Leichtweis who got the winner in the previous meeting between the sides in Presidente Franco and he is part of a full strength XI. At the time of writing Guaraní hadn’t decided who would travel to the game, they have one training session on Saturday afternoon before confirming.

Cerro de Franco most likely to score: 31-45 or 76 to 90 mins

Guaraní most likely to score: 76-90 mins

Cerro de Franco XI (probable): Miguel López; Gustavo Velázquez, Nelson Figueredo,Fabián Balbuena; Cristian Ramírez , Reinaldo López, Óscar Benítez, Miguel Godoy, Arnaldo Recalde; Christian Andersen, Rogerio Leichtweis

SELECTED ODDS: Libertad win 1.51; Draw 3.9; Sol win 6.2

BEST BET: Both team to score

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Luqueño vs Carapeguá
Estadio Feliciano Cáceres
02/09/2012, 15:00
Prediction: 2-0

Both sides were involved in midweek action with Luque drawing a thriller in Villa Elisa against Sol de América and Carapeguá recording their first ever victory in their new stadium against Libertad. Juan Arce was so impressed by that performance he will keep the same team to take on Luque with Ricardo ‘Tom’ Ortiz playing particularly well in the creative role recently. Luque took the lead in their previous game against Sol but were blown away in a five minute spell in the first half, they did have chances to win towards the end and look good going forward. They should be good enough for a win here.

Luque most likely to score: 61-75 mins

Carapeguá most likely to score: 31-45 mins

Carapeguá XI (probable): Fabiano Heves; Raúl Cáceres, Rubén Maldonado, Marcos Arce, Cristian Martínez; Esteban Ramírez, Diosnel Almirón, Rodrigo Soria; Ricardo Ortiz; Diego Benítez, Marco Prieto

BEST BET: Home win

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Nacional vs Sol de América (TV)
Estadio Arsenio Erico
02/09/2012, 15:00
Prediction: 2-1

Nacional in training looking for a home win – Photo: Prensa Club Nacional

Nacional took the lead only to lose at home last weekend as they are yet to find a win in the Arsenio Erico in the Clausura. However, that stat is misleading as the two sides they’ve face in Barrio Obrero are the league’s top two Guaraní and Luque. They won three in a row at the end of the Apertura and I think they have what it takes to beat Sol in Sunday’s first televised match. It is worth noting that the left hand side is weakened with Marcos Miers (injured) and Marcos Melagrejo (suspended) and combined with Sol’s attacking potential that could spell goals for both sides. The away team are missing David Mendieta who is a creative force although the form players have been right midfielder Sergio Escalante and striker Diego Vázquez who both start having scored against Luque.

Nacional most likely to score: 31-45 or 61-75 mins

Sol most likely to score: 0-15 mins

Nacional XI (probable): Oscar Aguero; Ramón Coronel, Matías Perez, Raúl Piris, David Medoza; Carlos Ruiz Peralta, Marcos Riveros, César Cáceres Cañete, Silvio Torales; Rodrigo Teixeira, Javier Gonzalez

Sol XI (probable): Roberto Acosta; Roberto Bonet, Ricardo Martínez, Bruno Valdez, Diego Ciz; Sergio Escalante, Ángel Enciso, Marcos Duré, Carlos Recalde; Diego Vázquez, Lorenzo Frutos

BEST BET: Both teams to score

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Independiente vs Cerro Porteño (TV)
Estadio Defensores del Chaco
02/09/2012, 17:20
Prediction: 0-1

Fossati will make changes, don’t expect him to start himself though – Photo: Club Cerro Porteño

Independiente won the corresponding fixture last season with an excellent display from Emanuel Biancucchi and their head-to-head with Cerro isn’t bad (Pld 6 W 2 D 1 L 3). Take into account Cerro’s trip to and from Venezuela and the likely changes (although no confirmation as yet) to the first team and you might be tempted to think Independiente can get something out of this game. Nevertheless I think the azulgrana will be good enough to eek out a result, Inde are on a poor run of form and have been unable to keep a cleansheet in the Clausura and pressure is mounting on their coach Carlos Jara Saguier to get them out of the rut or he could be replaced by his predecessor Alicio Solalinde. Narrow win to Cerro (who aren’t playing away, the game is at a neutral venue).

Independiente most likely to score: 61-75 mins

Cerro most likely to score: 76-90 mins

BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals

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Libertad vs Rubio Ñu
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
02/09/2012, 18:00
Prediction: 1-0

Libertad are on a bad run of form, culminating in the defeat by Carapeguá on Wednesday which ended a run of four draws. Rubio Ñu picked up their first win in fifteen against Independiente but it was hardly convincing and Chiqui Arce has plenty of problems as he looks for some better results. Ruben Israel seems to have his defence and attack set but he is still finding the right balance in midfield (not easy for a side that was reliant on Topo Cáceres for so many years). The doubt is on the left wing (see below) and there is even a chance that Nestor Camacho plays to offer them more pace. Whatever the starting formation they are considerably stronger than Rubio Ñu on paper and they should win, it is unlikely to be a classic.

Libertad most likely to score: 61-75 mins

Rubio Ñu most likely to score: 76-90 mins

Libertad XI (probable): Rodrigo Muñoz; Jorge Moreira, Ismael Benegas, Joe Bizera, Miguel Samudio; Luis Cáceres, Sebastián Eguren, Sergio Aquino, Nelson Romero or Gustavo Cristaldo; José Ariel Núñez, Pablo Velázquez

BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at time of writing via Betfair for more betting tips check out CaStRoF betting tips