Sudamericano 2013 Hexagonal Final: Paraguay vs Ecuador preview

Paraguay vs Ecuador
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
27/01/2013; 22:00 (00:00 GMT)

The albirrojita are back in action tonight against Ecuador after well-earned break for the young sides following so many games in short sucession. Paraguay are unbeaten following their opening two matches in the hexagonal final, in the previous game against Peru they equalised late on through a Junior Alonso header.

Training on the eve of the Ecuador game – Photo: Prensa Selección de Fútbol Paraguaya

The news from the camp is that Genes will revert to three at the back, in an attempt to hold onto the ball more and take the game to Ecuador who, having lost their first two games, are seen as the weakest side in the finals. Paraguay’s problem so far has been possession, and they have profited from their pace on the counter attack and strength at set pieces. Jorge Rojas has been very strong when running with the ball and will upset the Ecuadorean defence if he is given space. Any corners or free kicks in the final third will give central defender Matías Perez a chance to add t his 3 goals in this tournament.

Uchuari (left) has starred for Ecuador – Photo: Vavel.com

Ecuador’s topscorer so far is striker Ely Esterilla who is based in Mexico with Santos Laguna, he is the only foreign-based player in the squad. The playmaker Johnny Uchuari also looks an excellent player, it will be important for Angel Lucena or whoever gets the holding role to keep tight to him.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Teodoro Paredes, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Perez;  Jorge Rojas, Angel Lucena, Miguel Almiron, Rodrigo Alborno, Jorge Balbuena; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez

Prediction: 2-0 Paraguay to win

By Ralph Hannah

Sudamericano 2013 Hexagonal Final: Paraguay vs Peru preview

Paraguay vs Peru
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
23/01/2013; 19:45 (22:45 GMT)

Arguably just a win away from the World Cup in Turkey, following their excellent victory over Chile, the Paraguayans take on a talented Peru side who played well against Uruguay only to lose. As we’ve seen so far, the albirrojita are best on the counter attack and that should suit them against a Peruvian side who dominated possession against the Celeste only to come unstuck against the pace of their opponent’s attack. With players like Jorge Rojas and Derlis Gonzalez, Paraguay will hope to play in a similar style.

Matias Perez celebrates in the victory against Chile – Photo: D10.com.py

Victor Genes seems to have settled on the 4-4-2 formation having experimented with three at the back earlier in the competition, his captain Gustavo Gómez has to sit out having been sent off against Chile but Teodoro Paredes returns from his suspension to slot in at centre-back. The main doubts are in central midfield with a decision between Ivan Ramirez or Miguel Almirón, both have shown great quality but Ramirez offers a more defensive option while Almirón is a better link to the forwards. The other question mark hangs over the striker to partner the excellent Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez is stronger holding up the ball and in my opinion has had a better tournament but Brian Montenegro has a tendency to drift out to the left which creates more space for the Benfica starlet. It is a tough decision.

Peru have got some talented players in Jordi Reyna and the captain Torrejón is excellent in the middle keeping moves ticking over with his short passing and intelligent movement. Their problem is at the back and they must defend well to get a result from this game, if the match becomes stretched it will favour the Paraguayans on the counter attack.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Miller Marecos, Teodoro Paredes, Matías Perez, Jorge Balbuena; Jorge Rojas, Angel Lucena, Miguel Almiron, Rodrigo Alborno; Derlis Gonzalez, Brian Montenegro

Stats:  Paraguay vs Peru head-to-head in Sudamericano Sub 20 –  Pld 13 W 10 D 1 L 2 GF 32 GA 15 (via Andres Riquelme)

Prediction: Paraguay will sneak a win, 2-1

Sudamericano 2013: Bolivia vs Paraguay preview

Bolivia vs Paraguay
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
17/01/2013, 17:45 (20:45 GMT)

Despite losing their previous game against Chile, Paraguay’s destiny is in their own hands as they take on Bolivia tonight. A win and they qualify at the expense of their opponents and hosts Argentina. With that in mind we may see a Bolivian side ‘incetivised’ to win and let’s hope there is no skullduggery or foul play (Copa Sudamericana final springs to mind).

Miguel Almirón is yet another quality defensive midfielder to have come off the conveyer belt – Photo: Selección Paraguaya de fútbol

Rodrigo Alborno impressed as a substitute in the previous game and he should find a starting spot on the left hand side of midfield with Balbuena being rested. In defence there may be changes with Paredes, Gomez and Perez having started all three games, fatigue is of course an issue for these youngsters. Paraguay’s problem so far has been working in units across the pitch, there is a need for more intergration with midfield and attack. We’ve seen the proof that when they win the ball high up they have the technical capability to put together excellent offensive moves; the problem comes when they recover possession in their own half as there is rarely a striker dropping deep or a simple midfield option and the ball is quickly lost. Paraguay must get tighter against Bolivia to ensure they don’t leave huge holes in middle of the park.

Rodrigo Alborno equalises against Chile – Photo: ABC

Bolivia prepared extensively for this tournament but following a famous draw with Argentina they crashed to a six-nil defeat against Colombia which must have destroyed confidence. They will want to beat Paraguay to try and qualify and they will have plenty of support from the home side who will want a draw or a narrow Bolivia win to give Argentina a hope of progressing.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Matias Perez, Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso; Jorge Rojas, Iván Ramirez, Miguel Almirón, Rodrigo Alborno; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez, Bryan Montenegro

Prediction: Assuming it is a level playing field, Paraguay will win 4-2

By Ralph Hannah

Sudamericano 2013: Paraguay suffer heartache in Chile thriller

Chile vs Paraguay
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
(2-1) 3-2 – Rojas, Maturana, Contrera; Gonzalez, Alborno

It was five-goal tragedy for Paraguay in the end, in a pulsating match that had everything (except tactical awareness). Paraguay took the lead early on after good pressing from Montenegro and Dominguez, strength and awareness from Jorge Rojas and clever positioning from Derlis Gonzalez who as ever was on hand to turn the ball in.

Rodrigo Alborno equalises – Photo: ABC

Chile turned the game round before halftime with two goals – firstly their Rojas was given just a little bit too much sapce from Ivan Ramirez (who looked fatigued after a wonderful display against Argentina) and he jinked past captain Gustavo Gómez to fire in a good shot under the goalkeeper. The second goal was a result of several forays down Paraguay’s left hand side that was unguarded with Balbuena often pressing without the help of Montenegro and Matías Perez at centreback unable to sweep round.

We’ve seen plenty of spirit from this group of players and they showed it once again in the second half. As they continued to attack the game became incredibly stretched with almost no midfield to speak of. This helped Paraguay in the early part of the half, fresh legs and the pace of Derlis Gonzalez brought about the equaliser, a long ball bypassing everybody and finding Derlis Gonzalez one-on-one with his marker, he had enough vision and skill to slip in his ‘European’ teammate and substitute Rodrigo Alborno who finished expertly.

With the game so vertical there was always the feeling somebody would grab a winner – in the end it was Chile and unfortunately for Paraguay it was a defensive error with Juan Villamayor misplacing a simple pass in his own half. The Chileans put together a neat move which and Contreras showed a cool head to slip the ball past Morel in goal. The result means Paraguay must win against Bolivia in their final game tomorrow (Thursday 17th) to progress to the Hexagonal Final.

Paraguay XI: Diego Morel; Teodoro Paredes, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Perez; Jorge Rojas, Ivan Ramirez, Miguel Almirón, Manuel Balbuena; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez, Bryan Montenegro

Subs: Rodrigo Alborno for Cecilio Dominguez, Angel Lucena for Ivan Ramirez, Juan Villamayor for Derlis Gonzalez

Sudamericano 2013: Chile vs Paraguay preview

Chile vs Paraguay
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
15/01/2013, 20:00 (23:00 GMT)

Following Friday night’s heroics and Argentina failing to win at their third attempt, the albirrojita are on course to qualify for the final round. They face the already-qualified Chile who are missing two players through suspension having picked up four red cards so far in this tournament.

So far we have seen a 4-4-2 and a 3-4-3 from Paraguay but we are starting to get to know the key players in the side, Teodoro Paredes has played well both as right back and one of three centre backs while Derlis Gonzalez was critical in the victory over Argentina as was Cecilio Dominguez. The interest is in central midfield, Iván Ramirez put in a tremendous 90 minutes in the previous game in a classic defensive midfield performance shielding his back four, the introduction of Miguel Almirón in that zone in the 2nd half improved Paraguay’s passing immensely. We should see those two start tonight’s match, especially with news that Robert Piris da Motta suffered an injury in training and won’t be available for selection.

The Benfica striker has been key so far – Photo: D10.com.py

Chile have announced they will rest players for this game, they have already qualified for the final round so want to recuperate fully before the Hexagonal final starts on Sunday. The albirrojitos will be happy if they don’t have to defend against players like Nicolás Castillo of Universidad Católica who has scored two already. The suspension of Cristian Cuevas is also good news, the O’Higgins midfielder’s absence could allow more space for Almirón to find his strikers.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Teodoro Paredes, Matias Perez, Gustavo Gomez; Jorge Rojas, Iván Ramirez, Miguel Almirón, Manuel Balbuena; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez, Bryan Montenegro

Prediction: Chile are already through, Paraguay will fancy their chances – 1-3 to the Paraguayans

 Author’s Note: I don’t understand why in so many publications Manuel Balbuena is named as Jorge Balbuena, maybe it is his first name but on his facebook account he is called ‘Manu Balbuena Carreras’

By Ralph Hannah

Sudamericano 2013: Epic win for Paraguay over Argentina

Argentina vs Paraguay
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas
(1-0) 1-2 – Luciano Vietto; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez

A tremendous second-half performance saw Paraguay score twice to overturn a one-goal deficit and beat Argentina on their own turf. It was a fantastic result that has kept alive the albirrojita’s hopes of qualifying for the final round. Victor Genes must be commended for his team selection and tactical awareness, he changed to a defensive 3-4-3 to combat Argentina’s ‘Fantastic 5′ with both Ivan Ramirez and Robert Piris da Motta playing as holding midfielders to protect their back three who didn’t have to press the ball, instead concentrated on covering balls over the top.

In the first half Paraguay were compact, organized and excellent without the ball yet they failed to keep much possession as the strikers found themselves too far from their midfield. The visitors were slightly unlucky in the manner they conceded, a hopeful shot from Luciano Vietto cannoned off the backside of Gustavo Gómez and looped into the top corner past Diego Morel.

A historic result – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

The second half saw two key changes that allowed Paraguay to alter the course of the game, Miguel Almirón came on and was much more effective in picking his passes than Piris da Motta but also Derlis Gonzalez’s surprise entrance (we were told he was injured) unsettled the Argentinians. It wasn’t just his pace but his movement that, combined with more intelligent runs from Cecilio Dominguez, made life impossible for the albiceleste. Both goals were classic counter attacking moves, the first a pass from Almirón to Dominugez who had pulled left, he held up the ball well before releasing Bryan Montenegro ahead of him and the former West Ham forward’s cross was met at the back post by the Benfica man Gonzalez.  The second goal was more direct, Almirón winning the ball in the centre circle and released Dominguez with a wonderful through ball, the Sol de América striker finished in style with the outside of his foot.

Paraguay held on for the win and now have a rest before playing Chile on Tuesday, a win in that match would all but put them through to the final round.

Paraguay XI: Diego Morel; Teodoro Paredes, Matias Perez, Gustavo Gómez; Jorge Rojas, Robert Piris da Motta, Iván Ramirez, Manuel Balbuena; Juan Villamayor, Cecilio Dominguez, Bryan Montenegro

Subs: Miguel Almirón for Robert Piris da Motta; Derlis Gonzalez for Juan Villamayor; Miller Mareco for Matias Perez

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Cerro de Franco vs Cerro Porteño preview

Cerro de Franco vs Cerro Porteño
Estadio Cerro de Franco
18/11/2012; 17:00 (20:00 GMT)

Cerro Porteño visit their namesake in Presidente Franco for the first time since 1994 with the APF allowing the game to go ahead here rather than 3 de Febrero’s stadium in Ciudad del Este, it means eveyr single side will have played in their home stadium this weekend which I hope is a sign of things to come. It is the third visit by the Barrio Obrero side, winning that previous encounter 4-2 and drawing 1-1 back in 1993.

Cerro de Franco’s stadium will receive their namesakes – Photo: D10.com.py

Cerro de Franco have the second-longest serving manager in the league in Eduardo Rivera and their stability has allowed them to all but secure primera status for another year. The negative of doing so well means the player’s were guilty of taking their eye of the ball last week and were thumped 4-0 by lowly Tacuary. With that in mind Rivera is expected to make a host of changes, in defence for example the return of Gustavo Velázquez and Cristian Ramirez is expected.

Santiago Salcedo (left) and Roberto Nanni should be too much for their rivals – Photo: Golazo.com.py

Jorge Fossati, yet to decide if he will stay at the club in 2013, will also make a few changes in defence from the side that won against Rubio Ñu last weekend. Expect to see Gonzalo Viera, Mathias Corujo and Luis Cardozo today. Importantly the trio of Jonathan Fabbro, Santiago Salcedo and Roberto Nanni will all start and that kind of firepower is likely to be too much for the side from Presidente Franco.

Cerro de Franco XI (probable): Francisco Olmedo; Gustavo Velázquez, Nelson Figueredo, Fabián Balbuena, Cristian Ramirez; Oscar Benítez, Reinaldo López, Arnaldo Recalde, Leonardo Delvalle, Rogerio Leichtweis, Francisco Solano López

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Roberto Fernandez; Luis Cardozo, Gonzalo Viera, Pedro Benítez; Carlos Bonet, Mathias Corujo; Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Jonathan Fabbro; Roberto Nanni, Santiago Salcedo

Prediction: 1-2

Selected Odds: Cerro PF win 3.1, Draw 3.4, Cerro Porteño win 2.3; Over 2.5 goals 2.1

Best Bet: Those odds for Cerro Porteño look great value, away win

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

Clausura 2012: Week 16 Preview

We start on Friday with Libertad kicking things off as they try and close the gap to just two points at the top and heap the pressure on Guaraní. The games continue on Saturday and end on Sunday with Guaraní vs Nacional a truly mouth-watering fixture

Sol de América vs Libertad(TV)
Estadio Defensores del Chaco
09/11/2012, 19:00
Prediction: 1-2

A Libertad legend – Photo: Club Libertad

Once again Libertad are in the Defensores, while they were frustrated last week against Olimpia this should be a win for them tonight against a Sol side that hasn’t quite clicked since losing José Ortigoza. Libertad’s top scorer in the Clausura, José Ariel Nuñez, is suspended following his sending off last week but his replacement in the squad isn’t back. 119 goals in 250 games, the all-time topscorer in Paraguayan football, Juan “El Magico” Samudio will be on the bench having made a few appearances in the reserves recently. While Sol haven’t been as good so far this year they keep accumulating points so much so that the Copa Sudamericana is still a possibility. They’ll be motivated for this but unsure if the quality is there.

Sol XI (probable): Acosta; Bonet, Martinez, Valdez, Ciz; Escalante, Orzusa, Mazacotte, Mendieta; Rivas, Vazquez

Libertad XI (probable):  Muñoz; Olmedo, Bizera, Benegas, Mencia; Romero//Caceres, Eguren, Aquino, Camacho; Velazquez, Menendez

BEST BET: Both teams to score is decent if you consider both side’s ability to score although Libertad’s defensive capabilities makes me hestitant – call it a punt more than a tip

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Tacuary vs Cerro de Franco
Estadio Roberto Bettega
10/11/2012, 18:30
Prediction: 1-1

Tacuary will be eyeing this as a possible three points to boost survival hopes with the hope that Cerro de Franco, all but safe, have lost focus. The away side though has a few positives, Fulvio Duarte is back from suspension while topscorer Leichtweis has been in Asunción most of the week training with the national side so expect his confidence to be flowing. Tacuary however won the previous meeting in the Bettega and will hope home advantage is good enough.

Tacuary XI (probable): Carlos Servía; Gustavo Gimenez, Gregor Aguayo, Diego Viera, Marcos Acosta Rojas; Reinaldo Ocampo, Pablo Espinoza, Edward Villalba, Juan Nuñez; Brian Montenegro, Nicolas Martinez

Cerro de Franco XI (probable): Francisco Olmedo; Cristhian Rojas, Nelson Figueredo y Fabián Balbuena; Fulvio Duarte, Miguel Godoy, Reinaldo López y Arnaldo Recalde; Christian Andersen; Rogerio Leichtweis y Sergio Samudio

BEST BET: Under 2.5 goals

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Olimpia vs Sportivo Luqueño (TV)
Para Uno
10/11/2012, 19:30
Prediction: 2-1

Olimpia need a win to get back in front of Libertad in the race for the Copa Libertadores, Luque need the points as they continue to hover just above the relegation zone. Both sides have a defender suspended, Kike Meza (Olimpia) and Gonzalo Maulella (Luque) while both have injury doubts over their strikers – Arnaldo Castorino and Gerzon Chacón. Luque have won the previous two games against Olimpia but that was in the Feliciano Cáceres in front of their vociferous support – for this game the away fans were handed just 30 tickets as El Decano try to swing the balance in their favour.

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

Luque XI (probable): Tobías Vargas; Claudio Vargas, Luciano Vera, Rolando Bogado, Sergio Vergara; William Shcuster, Juan Abente, Edgar Robles, Ariel Coronel, Diego Godoy; Guido Di Vanni

BEST BET: Both teams to score

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Carapeguá vs Independiente
Estadio Municipal de Carapeguá
11/11/2012, 17:00
Prediction: 2-0

Carapeguá must see this as a golden opportunity to pull themselves out of the relegation zone, a win would just edge them above Luque in the standings. They’ve been decent at home, two wins and a draw in their last five games there with the pair of defeats coming to 1st-placed Guaraní and 2nd-placed Nacional. History is also on their side, Carapeguá haven’t lost to Indpendiente, two wins and a draw in their previous meetings this year. It is expected Carapeguá will play with three at the back, preferred by Celso Ayala who also will give David Pereira a debut having impressed in the reserves. The key figure in my opinion is Ricardo Ortiz who has the experience to create chances against Independiente’s weak defence. For the visitors the pace of Davalos and Cáceres at full back could cause some problems while Luis Miño is dangerous if given space to shoot from distance.

Carapeguá XI (probable): Fabiano Heves; González Ferreira, Marcos Arce, Derlis Correa; Raúl Cáceres, Rodrigo Soria; Michel Valenzuela, Diosnel Almirón, Ricardo Ortiz; Arnulfo Colmán, David Pereira

Independiente XI (probable): Roque Cardozo; Víctor Dávalos, Milciades Portillo, Miguel Almirón, Mario Cáceres; Michel Romero, Luis Miño, José Báez, Aldo Vera; Roberto Martínez, Luciano Ursin0

Best Bet: Home win

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Rubio Ñu vs Cerro Porteño (TV)
Estadio Antonio Oddone
11/11/2012, 17:45
Prediction: 2-3

Cerro Porteño’s season is effectively over, they were knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana and thanks to their Apertura title they have already qualified for both of next year’s continental competitions. So you would be forgiven for thinking that they will try and blood youngsters and rest their major stars, but Fossati wants to keep fighting, if only just to finish ahead of Olimpia. Expect a full squad against Rubio Ñu. Take into account this game is in Ciudad del Este, Rubio Ñu selling the rights to the game to try and make more money from Cerro fans in the border town.

Rubio Ñu XI (probable): Wilfrido Quiñonez; Alberto Espínola, Derlis Riveros, Oscar Velázquez, Nelson Ruiz; Angel Lucena, Fredy Coronel, Robert Piris, Roberto Acuña, Diego Chamorro; Cristian Ledesma

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Mariano Uglessich, Pedro Benítez, Cesar Benítez; Carlos Bonet, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Walter López; Jonathan Fabbro; Santiago Salcedo, Roberto Nanni

BEST BET: Over 2.5 goals

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Guaraní vs Nacional (TV)
Dos Bocas
11/11/2012, 19:45
Prediction: 2-1

Top of the table clash – Photo: D10.com.py

Week 16 is saving the best until last with 1st vs 2nd on Sudnay evening in Dos Bocas. Guaraní can welcome Diego Centurión back to the starting line-up, and the league topscorer will be key. The sides come into this with contrasting form, Guaraní have failed to win their last three, Nacional have won their previous trio of matches. This is a defining moment for Diego Alonso who must get his team re-focussed to ensure they can keep distance between themselves and the chasing pack. I think, with the experience of Orteman in the middle the home team will just have a enough in what promises to be a cracking ninety minutes of football.

Guaraní XI (probable): Pablo Aurrecochea; Eduardo Filippini, Luis Cabral, Elvis Marecos, Edgar Aranda; Luis de la Cruz, Sergio Orteman, Marcelo Palau, Jorge Mendoza; Dario Ocampo; Diego Centurión

Nacional XI (probable): Ignacio Don; Ramón Coronel, Denis Caniza, Raúl Piris, Marcos Miers; Carlos Ruiz Peralta, Marcos Riveros, Silvio Torales, Marcos Melagerjo; Cesar Cáceres Cañete; Rodrigo Teixeira

BEST BET: 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

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Cerro Porteño vs Tigre preview

Cerro Porteño vs Tigre
Estadio Gral. Pablo Rojas a.k.a La Olla
01/11/2012, 19.15 (22.15 GMT)

Fresh from their superclásico mauling of Olimpia on Saturday, Cerro Porteño take on Tigre in the 1st leg of their Copa Sudamericana Quarter Final tie. Just over a week ago in the same stadium the azulgrana progressed against another Argentine side, Colón de Santa Fe, winning both games 2-1. The Buenos Aires club, managed by Néstor Gorosito, are relative newcomers to the international fold, in fact the 2009 Copa Sudamericana was their first ever appearance on the international stage.

La Olla will be bubbling over come kick off…

As always Fossati will want to attack and will play his usual 3-4-1-2 formation with Jonathan Fabbro the playmaker, so far at home Cerro Porteño have won all three games in the competition but this is the first time they are in La Olla for the 1st leg. It means there might be more of an onus on keeping a cleansheet than in the previous rounds. There are no surprises in the first XI, those of you watching Cerro this year will be accustomed to seeing Julio Dos Santos in a deep-lying role to allow Fabbro space, the ‘true’ defensive midfielder is Fidencio Oviedo who was so important against Colón in breaking up the play and starting swift counter-attacks.

Fabbro is the key man as ever – Photo: Twitter @taroba

Tigre used to employ a similar system to Cerro, one that brought a 2nd-place finish in the Clausura earlier this year. However with personnel and a managerial change they are no longer the same side and will probably set up in a standard 4-4-2. They have one Paraguayan in their ranks, former Guaraní and Racing striker Federico Santander could start up front, he once scored against El Ciclón in a 5-4 defeat back in 2009 although don’t expect that many goals today!

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Mariano Uglessich, Pedro Benítez, César Benítez; Carlos Bonet, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Walter López; Jonathan Fabbro; Roberto Nanni, Santiago Salcedo

Prediction: 2-0

Selected Odds: Cerro win 1.79, Draw 3.7, Tigre win 5.4, 2-0 scoreline 9.0, Under 2.5 goals 1.8

Best Bet: Tigre have failed to score in their previous three away games making the Over 2.5 less tempting – Cerro win to nil or just the straight win for me

For more betting tips visit CaStRoF betting tips

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Stats and Trivia

Cerro Porteño last 5 home (Copa Sudamericana)

Pld 5 W 3 D 1 L 1 GF 12 GA 4

Tigre last 5 away (all competitions)

Pld 5 W 0 D 3 L 2 GF 3 GA 8

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FULL SQUAD LIST

GK: Roberto Junior Fernandez, Diego Barreto

DEF: Cesar Benitez, Pedro Benitez, Mariano Uglessich, Carlos Bonet, Gonzalo Viera, Victor Hugo Mareco, Luis Cardozo

MID: Julio Dos Santos, Fidencio Oviedo, Jonathan Fabbro, Jorge Rojas, José Domingo Salcedo, Alexis Gonzalez, Juan Manuel Lucero

ATT: Rodrigo Lopez, Alejandro da Silva, Santiago Salcedo, Roberto Nanni

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at the time of writing via Betfair