Always Ready (Bolivia) – Lanus (Argentina)
Always Ready disappointed again in their latest Copa Libertadores match: last week, they delivered a poor performance and lost 2–0 away to Mirassol, on paper the weakest side in the group. As a result, they sit bottom of Group G without points after three matchdays, and their chances of continuing in international competitions in the second half of the year now look almost impossible. On Saturday, with some rotation, Julio César Baldivieso’s side defeated Nacional Potosí 3–1 at home and remain top of the Bolivian División Profesional with 13 points from five matches (level with The Strongest). Always have won three and lost one of their last four matches across all competitions, and the same applies to their home form this season: three wins and one defeat.
With a 74th-minute goal from Agustín Cardozo, Lanús secured a crucial victory for their Copa Libertadores aspirations last Tuesday, defeating LDU Quito 1–0 at home. As a result, they sit second in Group G on head-to-head tiebreaker, level on six points with their last opponent and Mirassol. On Saturday, with heavy rotation implemented by head coach Mauricio Pellegrino, El Granate drew 0–0 at home against Deportivo Riestra, finishing sixth in Group A of the Argentine Torneo Apertura with 24 points from 16 matches (and qualifying for the playoffs). Lanús have lost only one of their last six matches across all competitions (three wins and two draws), but they are also on a three-match losing streak as visitors.
Results have not been that bad for Lanus lately but their performances did, and especially when playing away from their stadium. The huge altitude here should be a big factor for the hosts and considering Lanus are not in their best form, I like the hosts chances of taking a very needed win.
BET: Always Ready -0.75 @ 1.97