Nacional (Uruguay) vs Velez (Argentina)
Nacional are in need of a win in the Copa Libertadores. Following their 1-0 away defeat at Estudiantes last time out, the team are now third-placed in group C on four points, one behind Red Bull Bragantino, who are sitting in second but have already played their fifth game. On a positive note, it was their only defeat across the last eight competitive games, winning five and drawing two, considering El Bolso beat Defensor Sporting 2-0 away last Saturday: they are occupying third spot in the Uruguayan Torneo Apertura with 22 points in 12 matches, three behind leaders Deportivo Maldonado. At home, Nacional are on six games unbeaten, with two wins and four draws.
Meanwhile, Velez Sarsfield wasted a big chance in their last Libertadores game two weeks ago, when they drew 1-1 away at Red Bull Bragantino after conceding the equaliser in the 84th minute. As a result, they are bottom in group C on two points and need to win both games and wait for other results to keep their hope alive. A few days later, El Fortin won 2-1 away at Colon in the last league round, closing up their campaign in the Copa Liga Profesional with 18 points in 14 matches. Velez have been unbeaten in their last three competitive matches, winning two and drawing one. On away turf, the aforementioned success at Colon stopped a 13-game winless streak of six stalemates and seven losses.
Velez has improved lately, and I think they can get here the win they desperately need.