Union (Argentina) vs Fluminense (Brazil)
Union Santa Fe clinched a much-needed 2-0 home success over Oriente Petrolero two weeks ago to make it eight points in four Copa Sudamericana games and keep fighting for a ticket to the round of 16. Even though they are no longer leaders in group H (as Junior leapfrogged them after winning on Tuesday), the team could return to the top of the group table by winning here. El Tatengue lost 2-1 away at Argentinos Juniors in their last competitive match to close up an irregular campaign in the Copa Liga Profesional, with 17 points in 14 games. In fact, Union won only one of their last seven competitive games, drawing one and losing five. At home, they won six, drew one and lost two in 2022.
Meanwhile, Fluminense also hold a chance of qualifying for next round thanks to their 2-1 home success over Junior in MD4. However, they are still third-placed in group H with seven points, trailing leaders Junior by three, and need to win here in order to climb positions. On Saturday, O Tricolor beat Athletico Paranaense 2-1 at home to make it eight points in six rounds in the league. Fluminense are on four games unbeaten in all competitions (three successes and one draw). On away turf, they lost only one of the last four, winning two and drawing one.
Union has been strong at home, this is a game they must win if they want to advance and I expect them to do it against a Fluminense that will miss two key players like Felipe Melo and Fred.