Palmeiras (Brazil) vs Deportivo Pereira (Colombia)
Palmeiras are virtually into the Copa Libertadores’ top four after their 4-0 away success at Deportivo Pereira last Wednesday following an enjoyable performance. On Sunday, the team won 1-0 at home against Vasco da Gama. As a result, the team remain second-placed in the Brasileirao table on 40 points, trailing leaders Botafogo by 11. O Verdao are unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, winning four and drawing one. At home, they are on four without defeat, having won three and drawn one.
Deportivo Pereira’s dream seem to be coming to an end. Their 4-0 home defeat to Palmeiras last week left them almost without any chances of advancing. That loss stopped a two-game winning streak in all competitions. Last weekend, they had their home match against Rionegro Aguilas postponed to remain on six points, having won only one of their six matches in league action. On away turf, Pereira are on three winless matches, having drawn one and lost two.
Palmeiras was so much more than Pereira at Colombia in the 4-0 win, that I can’t see how they won’t win here by at least a couple of goals, especially considering that the visitors have no choice but to go all-in in attack.