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

For other football previews check out CaStRoF betting tips

Copa Libertadores 2013: Libertad vs Palmeiras preview

Libertad vs Palmeiras
Nicolás Leóz, Asunción
28/02/2013; 19:15 (22:15 GMT)
Group Stages
TV: Fox Sports (Paraguay); ESPN (UK)

The first meeting between these two teams in the Copa Libertadores as São Paulo side Palmeiras visit Asunción hoping to make it four wins from four for the Brazilian clubs this week. The last time Palmeiras were in the Paraguayan capital was Valentine’s Day 2006, they drew 0-0 with Cerro Porteño that evening. Ruben Israel’s side are hoping to go top of the group having won their opener against Tigre in Argentina.

Expect the same side that faced Tigre – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

Libertad tasted defeat for the first time in 20 games on Sunday, admittedly it was a slightly changed team with player’s being rested for tonight’s clash. We should see an organised 4-4-2 that presses hard in midfield but rarely over-exerts so as not to leave too much space at the back. Those who read the blog regularly will know how highly I rate Pablo Guiñazú but it is worth re-iterating just how important he is to Libertad this year, his experience especially against Brazilian sides will be critical.

Guiñazu (Left) is the man to watch – Photo: D10.com.py courtesy of Prensa Libertad

Palmeiras were relegated last year but that doesn’t directly affect the Copa Libertadores campaign as they are still playing the state championships. Of course one thing it has meant is that certain players have left the Verdão including Argentine striker Hernan Barcos who has an excellent record in this competition (he’s already got 2 this year with new club Grêmio). His replacement up front is the teenager Vinícius who has become a regular so far this season and has formed a good relationship with another youngster called Patrick Vieira who like his illustrious namesake is a midfielder.

Libertad XI (probable): Rodrigo Muñoz; Jorge Moreira, Pedro Benitez, Ismael Benegas, Gustavo Mencia; William Mendieta, Sergio Aquino, Pablo Guiñazu, Miguel Samudio; Pablo Velazquez, José Ariel Nuñez

Palmeiras XI (possible): Fernando Prass; Weldinho, Mauricio Ramos, Henrique, Marcelo Oliveira; Vilson, Marco Araujo, Souza, Wesley; Patrick Vieira; Vinicius

Prediction: 1-1

Selected Odds: Libertad win 1.9, Draw 3.75, Palmeiras win 4.7, 1-1 draw 8.0, Under 2.5 goals 1.81

Best Bet: For whatever reason Libertad don’t have a great record against Brazilian sides at home, so I’m not tempted by the win, Under 2.5 looks best for me

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Stats

Libertad head-to-head vs Brazilian opposition (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 14 W 3 D 4 L 7 GF 11 GA 17

Libertad at home vs Brazilian opposition (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 7 W 2 D 3 L 2 GF 8 GA 6

Libertad last 5 home (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 5 W 3 D 2 L 0 GF 10 GA 4

Libertad have reached the Quarter Finals in their previous four continental competitions

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By Ralph Hannah

Authors Note: All odds are selected from Betfair Sports and accurate at the time of writing, there is a live market on this game

For more football previews check out CaStRoF’s betting tips

Copa Libertadores 2013: Tigre vs Libertad preview

Tigre vs Libertad
José Dellagiovanna, Victoria
21/02/2013; 21:30 (01:30 GMT)
Group Stages
TV: Fox Sports (Paraguay); ESPN (UK)

Game 111 for Libertad in the Copa Libertadores and their first against Tigre (although they did play Mexican club Tigres back in 2006) the runners-up in the 2012 Copa Sudamericana. In 12 previous trips to Argentina the Gumarelo have won on just three ocassions in 2007, 2009 and 2010 against Banfield, San Lorenzo and Lanús respecitvely. Their previous trip was the 2011 Quarter Final that ended in a 3-0 defeat to Velez Sarsfield in La Bombonera.

Libertad arrive in Tigre – Photo: D10.com.py courtesy of Prensa Libertad

Ruben Israel will play a 4-4-2 and the key member of the side is a man with four different continental titles to his name, Pablo Guiñazú won the Copa Libertadores, Sudamericana, Suruga Bank and Recopa Sudamericana between 2008-2011 with Internacional. The veteran midfielder will sit deep and orchestrate from the centre circle, his lack of pace more than compensated for by his precise first touch and excellent vision. Israel bases his side on a tight defence and Ganso Benítez can bring plenty of experience having faced Tigre last year with Cerro Porteño in the Sudamericana.

Guiñazu (Left) leads the players out of the hotel – Photo: D10.com.py courtesy of Prensa Libertad

Tigre embark on their first continental game since that infamous night in São Paulo that saw them withdraw at halftime, awarding the title to the Brazilians by default. Nestor Gorosito is still at the helm and under him last year they were very strong at home in the Sudamericana so expect them to come out all guns blazing early on.

Tigre XI (probable): Javier García; Alejandro Donatti, Mariano Echeverría, Lucas Orba; Gaston Díaz, Diego Ferreira, Gabriel Peñalba, Sebastian Rusculleda; Matías Pérez García, Ruben Botta; Ezequiel Maggiolo.

Libertad XI (possible): Rodrigo Muñoz; Jorge Moreira, Pedro Benitez, Ismael Benegas, Miguel Samudio; Sebastian Eguren, Sergio Aquino, Pablo Guiñazu, William Mendieta; Pablo Velazquez, José Ariel Nuñez

Prediction: 0-1

Selected Odds: Tigre win 2.2, Draw 3.4, Libertad win 3.9, 0-1 win 12.0, Under 2.5 goals 1.71

Best Bet: Libertad DNB (Draw No Bet) looks good at 2.74

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Stats

Libertad head-to-head vs Argentine opposition (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 24 W 8 D 4 L 12 GF 22 GA 32

Libertad last 5 away (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 5 W 2 D 2 L 1 GF 6 GA 6

Libertad have reached the Quarter Finals in their previous four continental competitions

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By Ralph Hannah

Authors Note: All odds are selected from Betfair Sports and accurate at the time of writing, there is a live market on this game

For more football previews check out CaStRoF’s betting tips

Copa Libertadores 2013: Olimpia vs Universidad de Chile preview

Olimpia vs Universidad de Chile
Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción
19/02/2013; 21:30 (00:30 GMT)
Group Stages
TV: Fox Sports (Latin America); ESPN (UK)

The 2011 Copa Sudamericana champions, Universidad de Chile, visit Asunción as Olimpia hope to pick up their first points in this year’s Copa Libertadores. The home team have been given a hand by the APF who allowed them to postpone their league match meaning this is their first game since Thursday’s defeat against Newell’s Old Boys. The Chileans on the other hand played an away match on Saturday, with their first team, but could only draw with Everton. The teams have met on 8 previous occasions in this tournament, Olimpia winning 4, drawing 1 and losing 3 with the most recent meeting in 1977, a 1-0 victory for the Paraguayans with Miguel María Michelagnoli getting the winner.

Photo: Olimpia.com.py

We’ve seen so far with Ever Almeida that Olimpia are stronger defensively than in 2012, although they conceded three against Newell’s all of the goals came in a frantic final 20 minutes, before that it was a very tight battle with two tactically disciplined sides. Yesterday the general feeling was that the side would line up differently to the team we saw in Rosario, no wing backs with Julio Manzur coming into a back four and Fredy Bareiro joining Tanque Ferreyra up front. However at the time of writing, just hours before kick off, the reports suggest it will be the more familiar 3-4-1-2 system with Arnaldo Castorino starting up front and Juan Manuel Salgueiro the ‘enganche’ between midfield and attack.

Olimpia fans will be out in force – Photo: D10.com.py

La U arrive in Asunción with fond memories from their previous visit in May 2012, they drew with Libertad before defeating them on penalties to reach the semi-finals. While several members of that side have moved on, most notably Angelo Henriquez to Manchester United and manager Jorge Sampaoli to the Chilean national side, they remain a threat under Dario Franco. The Argentine Gustavo Lorenzetti is a class act and youngster Sebastian Ubilla scored both goals in their opening win against Deportivo Lara before netting again in the weekend’s league match.

Tonight will be a big test for Almeida who knows his side must score but appreciates the danger of overloading against the Chileans who are so strong on the counter, he must get the balance right.

Olimpia XI (probable): Martín Silva; Salustiano Candia, Herminio Miranda, Enrique Meza; Ale Silva, Eduardo Aranda, Richard Ortiz, Sebastián Ariosa; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Arnaldo Castorino, Juan Carlos Ferreyra.

Universidad de Chile XI (probable): Johnny Herrera; Paulo Magalhaes, Albert Acevedo, José Rojas; Charles Aránguiz, Sebastián Martínez, Roberto Cereceda, Guillermo Marino; Cesar Cortés, Sebastian Ubilla, Gustavo Lorenzetti

Prediction: 1-1

Selected Odds: Olimpia win 2.5, Draw 3.35, Uni. de Chile win 3.15, 1-1 draw 6.8, Under 2.5 goals 1.76

Best Bet: I don’t think Olimpia will be defeated in front of a passionate home crowd, my leaning is towards BTTS (Both Teams to Score) taking into account La U’s strong offensive side

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Stats

Olimpia last 5 vs Chilean opposition (All Continental Comps.)

Pld 5 W 2 D 2 L 1 GF 7 GA 9

Olimpia last 5 Copa Libertadores Home

Pld 5 W 3 D 1 L 1 GF 10 GA 7

Olimpia last 5 Continental Comps. (All venues)

Pld 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 GF 3 GA 4

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Full squad list

Courtesy of @endamo (Quique Molinas)

 

By Ralph Hannah

Authors Note: All odds are selected from Betfair Sports and accurate at the time of writing, there is a live market on this game

For more football previews check out CaStRoF’s betting tips

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

Copa Libertadores 2013: Olimpia vs Defensor Sporting preview

Olimpia vs Defensor Sporting
Defensores del Chaco, Asunción
31/01/2013; 19:15 (22:15 GMT)
Preliminary Round 2nd leg (0-0 aggregate)
TV: Fox Sports (Latin America); ESPN (UK)

The national stadium in the suburb of Sajonia is the scene for the showdown between Olimpia and Defensor Sporting in the second leg of the preliminary round. It will be Ever Almeida’s first game in charge of El Decano in his new spell as coach, the former goalkeeper has bags of experience in this competition, he holds the record for the most appearances in the Copa Libertadores (113) all of which were made while guarding Olimpia’s goal.

Arnaldo Castorino in the first leg which was a dull draw

The opening game was a dour stalemate with neither team showing much ambition, it also stretched the Paraguayan side’s winless record against Defensor Sporting, in three competitive meetings they have drawn twice and lost once. Their only previous meeting in the Defensores del Chaco finished 1-1 in the 2010 Copa Sudamericana a result that saw them knocked out that evening and a repeat would also do for them tonight.

The goalscorer for the home side in that match was Juan Carlos Ferreyra who has returned to Olimpia for his second spell at the club, ‘El Tanque’ is likely to partner Arnaldo Castorino up front. Almeida has vowed to be more attacking knowing that with no away goal to their credit only a win will see them through after 90 minutes – he is set to include playmaker Juan Manuel Salgueiro in his 3-4-1-2 starting line up.

The tank returns – Photo: Ultimahora.com

Defensor Sporting’s two Rodriguez’s nicknamed ‘Toro’ and ‘Zurdo’ were two of the best players in the first game, the latter looking dangerous on the left-hand-side. However the man of the match was arguably Nicolás Olivera who unfortunately suffered a serious injury that night breaking his collar bone. Without the veteran striker it is likely the Uruguayans won’t offer much going forward.

Olimpia XI (probable): Martín Silva; Salustiano Candia, Herminio Miranda, Enrique Meza; Jorge Báez, Richard Ortiz, Eduardo Aranda, Sebastián Ariosa; Juan Manuel Salgueiro;Arnaldo Castorino, Juan Carlos Ferreyra

Defensor Sporting (probable): Yonathan Irrazábal; Emilio Zeballos, Ramón Arias, Mario Risso, Robert Herrera, Aníbal Hernández, Diego “Toro” Rodríguez, Andrés Fleurquin, Diego “Zurdo” Rodríguez, Damián Luna, Ignacio Risso

Prediction: 1-0

Selected Odds: Olimpia win 2.18,, Draw 3.45, Defensor Sporting win 3.9, 1-0 win 7.4, Under 2.5 goals 1.69

Best Bet: While I’m strongly leaning to Unders the odds on the Olimpia win look fairly hefty considering the experience of their coaching staff and key players, I’d go on the straight win

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More stats

Plenty in the opening paragraphs but here is a quick form guide.

Olimpia last 5 Copa Libertadores Home

Pld 5 W 3 D 1 L 1 GF 10 GA 8

Olimpia last 5 Continental Comps. (All venues)

Pld 5 W 1 D 3 L 1 GF 2 GA 2 – includes three 0-0 draws

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Full squad list

Source: Club Olimpia

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2013: Defensor Sporting vs Olimpia preview

Defensor Sporting vs Olimpia
Estadio Luis Franzini, Montevideo
24/01/2013; 19:00 (22:00 GMT)
TV: Fox Sports (Latin America); ESPN (UK)

Olimpia begin their quest for the fabled fourth Copa Libertadores title in familiar surroundings, this is their 16th game in Uruguay in continental comptitions and 32nd against sides from charrúa territory. They only have three wins to their name coming in 1991 against Nacional, 1993 again versus Nacional and most recently in 1998 against Peñarol. Those three games all took place in the Estadio Centenario, the most recent visit to tonight’s venue, the Luis Franzini, was last year’s Copa Sudamericana where they played out a goalless draw with Danubio.

Salgueiro (L) and Castorino (R) will be important for the Olimpia frontline – Photo: D10.com.py

Their only previous competitive games against Defensor Sporting was for the 2010 Copa Sudamericana, a 2-0 defeat in Uruguay followed by a 1-1 draw in Asunción saw the Decano knocked out in the preliminary stages. All has not been well recently in the Olimpia camp, on Monday the players abandoned the ‘concentración’ in an ongoing dispute with the board over upaid wages. While the trip to this game was never in doubt (ultimately the club MUST qualify for the group stages to get enough prize money to pay off debt and salaries) it represents little change from Marcelo Recanate’s first spell as president (he was recently re-elected for a second term).

Ivan Almeida is unable to count on two of his summer signings, midfielders Wilson Pittoni and Tomás Guzman both miss out with injuries, it means Juan Manuel Salgueiro is likely to be the creator in midfield. He’ll be providing the bullets to Fredy Bareiro who has plenty of experience at this level and the exciting Arnaldo Castorino who always impresses with his energy, clever running and approach play. The good news is that Richard Ortiz made the trip despite reports that he may stay in Paraguay to negotiate a transfer to Europe, the tenacious midfielder will add steel to Olimpia’s spine. Admittedly I’m yet to see Olimpia in pre-season friendlies this year but reports suggest they will line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Herminio Miranda’s transfer completed just in time to play in central defence. Interestingly the probable starting eleven features four Uruguayans including ex-Defensor Sporting players Martin Silva and Sebastián Ariosa.

Martin Silva visits his old club – Photo: http://www.abc.com.py

Defensor Sporting’s key players are diminuitive defensive midfielder Diego Rodríguez who was part of the recent Olympics squad and has represented the senior national team and the experienced Andrés Fleurquin who partners him in the middle of the park, the 37-year-old has played in Turkey, Austria, France and Spain outside of his home country. Veteran striker Nicolás Olivera returns to the club for his fifth spell, a fans favourite he will hope to give them something to cheer tonight.

Olimpia XI (probable): Martin Silva; Salustiano Candia, Herminio Miranda, Enrique Meza; Alejandro Silva, Eduardo Aranda, Richard Ortiz, Sebastian Ariosa; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Fredy Bareiro, Arnaldo Castorino

Defensor Sporting (probable): Jonathan Irrazábal, Emilio Zeballos, Ramón Arias, Mario Risso, Robert Herrera, Aníbal Hernández, Diego “Toro” Rodríguez, Andrés Fleurquin, Diego “Zurdo” Rodríguez, Nicolás Olivera, Ignacio Risso

Prediction: 1-1

Selected Odds: Defensor Sporting win 2.06 , Draw 3.45, Olimpia win 4.2, 1-1 draw 7.6, Under 2.5 goals 1.74

Best Bet: I‘m torn between BTTS (Both teams to score) at 1.95 and Defensor Sporting to win the first half at 2.74 – my thoughts being that neither side is great defensively and Olimpia are slow starters. Will probably do both for fun.

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More stats

Plenty in the opening paragraphs but here is a quick form guide.

Olimpia last 5 Copa Libertadores Away

Pld 5 W 0 D 1 L 4 GF 6 GA 15

Olimpia last 5 Continental Comps. (All venues)

Pld 5 W 0 D 3 L 2 GF 3 GA 10 – includes two 0-0 draws

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Full squad list

1-MARTÍN SILVA
2-VICTOR CENTURIÓN
3-ALEJANDRO SILVA
4-SALUSTIANO CANDIA
5-EDUARDO ARANDA
6-HERMINIO MIRANDA
7-CARLOS HUMBERTO PAREDES
8-FABIO CABALLERO
9-RICHARD SALINAS
10-ENZO PRONO
11-JULIO MANZUR
12-FREDY BAREIRO
13-RICHARD ORTÍZ
14-JUAN CARLOS FERREYRA
15-ARNALDO CASTORINO
16-SEBASTIÁN ARIOSA
17-JORGE BÁEZ
18-JUAN MANUEL SALGUEIRO
19-ENRIQUE MEZA
20-BLAS CÁCERES

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Cerro Porteño vs Independiente

Cerro Porteño vs Independiente (TV)
La Olla
22/12/2012; 19:00 (22:00)

Cerro Porteño find themselves very much in the title race thanks to their Barrio Obrero neighbours defeat yesterday, Nacional lost 2-0 to Sol meaning Guaraní have re-taken top spot. A win tonight would put Cerro six points behind with a game in hand and with Guaraní still to play Olimpia on Saturday there is still hope for the azulgrana that they achieve the ‘double’ in their Centenary year.

Nanni is the topscorer for Cerro this season – Photo: D10.com.py

With Cerro Porteño publicly stating they are in debt and in need of selling before they can bring any new players in, it might be Fossati’s last few weeks at the club (he doesn’t come cheap). The big Uruguayan would love to wrap up his second title of the year and is very motivated as are his team to take maximum points from the final six games knowing that both Nacional and Guaraní are suffering from the jitters. Diego Barreto, Mariano Uglessich, Jorge Rojas and Ale Da Silva are set to replace Roberto Fernandez, Pedro Benítez, Carlos Bonet and Santiago Salcedo respectively. The rotation is because Cerro have a busy schedule including Libertad on Sunday and Sol de América next Thursday.

Despite those changes there should be no problem for the home side this evening, the midfield trio of Fidencio Oviedo (who according to one local journalist is of interest to Parma), Julio Dos Santos and Jonathan Fabbro remains intact and they will provide the bullets to ‘El Pistolero’ Roberto Nanni.

As for Independiente they keep chopping and changing in search of that elusive second win of the campaign. One change of note is Roque Cardozo who had a torrid time in goal against Rubio Ñu, two mistakes leading to the opponent’s two goals. Attacking right back Víctor Dávalos is replaced by the more orthodox Rody Martinez and there are two further changes expected with Felipe Gimenez and Gabriel Vieira coming into the side.

Prediction: 3-0

Best Bet: If home win doesn’t offer good odds then Over 2.5 goals is a very real possibility given Cerro’s attacking prowess

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Gonzalo Viera, Mariano Uglessich, Luis Cardozo; Jorge Rojas, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Mathias Corujo; Jonathan Fabbro; Alejandro da Silva, Roberto Nanni

Independiente XI (probable): Blas Hermosilla; Rody Martínez, José Báez, Michel Godoy, Mario Cáceres; Aldo Vera, Luis Miño, Michel Romero, Felipe Gimenez, Gabriel Vieiral; Luciano Ursino

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Guaraní vs Cerro de Franco preview plus Wednesday’s other games

Once again we look at the headline game on TV as Guaraní try to keep themselves from falling further off the pace against Cerro de Franco who have conceded 9 goals in their previous two outings. We also look at league leaders Nacional’s trip to Villa Elisa to face Sol de América and Olimpia’s home game against Tacuary. Rubio Ñu vs Libertad and Carapeguá vs Luque are also featured.

Guaraní vs Cerro de Franco (TV)
Dos Bocas
21/11/2012; 18.20 (21.20 GMT)

The aborigen are in trouble, they’ve lost the lead and the momentum has now shifted in favour of Nacional. The big problem has been goals, Diego Centurión is on a drought and while Dante López was bailing him out he has been injured for the previous two games and as such Guaraní have failed to score despite creating plenty of chances in the previous 180 minutes. The good news is that partnership will be restored tonight and as such the goals should flow once more.

Dante is back for Guarani – Photo: D10.com.py

Cerro de Franco have also been floundering recently albeit in totally contrasting circumstances. After a gruelling 11 months in which they have garnered an impressive 48 points the players understandably feel it is a case of mission complete and are ready for the summer break. Asunción hasn’t been a happy hunting ground either during the Clausura, Cerro de Franco’s two away wins have come in Luque and Carapeguá both cities outside of the capital.

Fortunately for Guarani they aren’t playing a team fighting for something so they should find this game easier than the battle in the Bettegá on Friday night. The key is goals, if they score early on then there should be no problem and they could go on to win comfortably.

Prediction: 2-0

Best Bet: Home win

Guaraní XI (probable): Pablo Aurrecochea; Tomas Bartomeus, Luis Cabral, Elvis Marecos, Edgar Aranda; Luis de la Cruz, Sergio Orteman, Marcelo Palau, Dario Ocampo; Dante López, Diego Centurión

Cerro de Franco XI (probable): Miguel López; Gustavo Velázquez, Nelson Figueredo, Fabian Balbuena, Arnaldo Recalde; Oscar Benítez, Reinaldo López, Leonardo Delvalle, Cristian Andersen; Rogerio Leichtweis, Sergio Samudio

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Sol de América vs Nacional
Luis Giagni
21/11/2012; 17.00 (20.00 GMT)

Finally the spotlight is on Nacional, Gustavo Moringio’s team has plugged away for the last five games and harvested fifteen points to lift them up into first place. The goals have been flowing throughout the year, the difference from the Apertura (where they finished fifth) is the defence which has been helped by the protection in midfield offered by Marcos Riveros and the excellent performances of Raúl Piris who brought up his 300th game for the tricolor in the victory against Olimpia.

Teixeira in training, he has been in good form – Photo: Prensa Club Nacional

Sol, like Cerro de Franco, are kicking their heels already as they wait for their holidays – an excellent Apertura dispelled any relegation doubts and put them in contention for a Copa Sudamericana place. The failure to win more than three games in the Clausura has put them out of the continental race so these last few games are very much a formality. Undoubtedly they will be less motivated than their title-chasing opponents.

Prediction: 0-1

Best Bet: Saw amazing odds on the away win, anything over 1.7 is good value in my opinion

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

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

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Olimpia vs Tacuary (TV)
Para Uno
21/11/2012; 20.20 (23.20 GMT)

After their humiliation in the Arsenio Erico the side return to the comfort of familiar standings and hope to win their fifth consecutive match in the ‘Bosque’. They play a Tacuary team that has finally won two games in a row for the first time in almost a year. Like Olimpia they prefer to be at home, their form on the road in 2012 is horrendous – Pld 20 W 1 D 4 L 15 – hardly inspires confidence ahead of tonight’s match.

Olimpia, even without suspended Richard Ortiz, and Tacuary, even with the topscorer and comeback-kid Nicolas Martínez, should hold true to their respective form in home and away matches.

Prediction: 3-1

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals better value than home win

Olimpia XI (probable): Martin Silva; Salustiano Candia, Julio Cesar Cáceres, Enrique Meza; Alejandro Silva, Eduardo Aranda, Carlos Paredes, Sebastian Ariosa; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Arnaldo Castorino, Fredy Bareiro

Tacuary XI (probable): Carlos Servín; Gustavo Gimenez, Gregor Aguayo, Deigo Viera, Marcos Acosta Rojas; Reinaldo Ocampo, Pablo Espinoza, Edward Villalba, Juan Nuñez; Nicolas Martínez, Ramón Cardozo

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Rubio Ñu vs Libertad
La Arboleda
21/11/2012; 16:50 (19:50 GMT)

Owing to the timing of this game the Guma will go top of the league for at least ten minutes if they can win by three goals, they are very much still in the running with the crunch match coming on Sunday against Cerro Porteño. This game should be a formality with Rubio Ñu on an awful run, José Ariel Nuñez back from suspension and Libertad’s historic dominance in this fixture (won the previous nine games).

Prediction: 0-2

Best Bet: Away win

Rubio Ñu XI (probable): Osvaldo Cabral; Arnaldo Rodriguez, Derlis Riveros, Jorge Britez, Nelson Ruiz; Aldo Paniagua, Robert Piris, Roberto Acuña, Diego Chamorro; Alberto Contrera, Lauro Cazal

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

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Carapeguá vs Luque
Estadio Municipal de Carapeguá
21/11/2012; 17:00 (20:00 GMT)

Proverbial six-pointer as these two clash in what is a very unpredictable game. The maths states that a Carapeguá win will take them out of the relgation zone at their opponents expense, if Luque were to take all the points then El Potro would be in serious trouble. A draw keeps both of them on the precipice.

Prediction: 1-1

Best Bet: Hard to call this one, probably Under 2.5 goals

Carapeguá XI (probable): Fabiano Heves; Celso Gonzalez Fleitas, Marcos Arce, Ruben Maldonado; Raúl Cáceres, Michel Valenzuela, Diosnel Almirón, Rodrigo Soria; Ricardo Ortiz; Imanol Iriberri, David Pereira

Luque XI (probable): Tobias Vargas; Gerzon Chacón, Gonzalo Maulella, Rolando Bogado, Sergio Vergara; Cristian Santacruz, Claudio Vargas, Edgar Robles, Juan Abente, Juan Pablo Raponi; Guido di Vanni

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