Estudiantes vs Audax Italiano
Estudiantes need to secure a home success in order to keep their hope alive in the Copa Libertadores after losing 1-0 away at Audax Italiano last Wednesday: the team will force a penalty shootout in the event of winning by a one-goal margin. However, the team remain perfect in the league: last Sunday, coach Ricardo Zielinski introduced some changes but El Pincha still beat Sarandi Arsenal 3-2 at home to make it 12 points from 12 on offer in the Copa Liga Profesional. In fact, Estudiantes won all three home matches this season so far.
Audax Italiano took the first lead in this tie thanks to their 1-0 home win over Estudiantes thanks to a goal from Jorge Henriquez in the first half. However, the team are struggling in the league: last Saturday, they lost 3-0 as hosts to Deportes Antofagasta (at O’Higgins) even though coach Ronald Fuentes fielded his best XI. Audax won only one of their last nine competitive matches, drawing five and losing three, and they also are on four away games without a win. However, three of those ended in draws, which would be enough for them to advance to the next round.
Estudiantes failed last week, but I don’t think they will do it now. I expect them to win by at least two goals and advance.