Bolivar (Bolivia) vs Arsenal (Argentina)

Runners-up in 2004, Bolivar return to the Copa Sudamericana after losing to Colombian side Junior 4-2 on aggregate in the Copa Libertadores’ third preliminary round. The 3-0 away defeat in the return leg was their last competitive game and stopped an impressive five-match winning run. La Academia are now fourth-placed in the Bolivian league table with nine points in four rounds, three behind leaders Royal Pari. At home, Bolivar hold a 14-game unbeaten run of 13 victories and one draw since losing to Paraguay’s Guarani 3-2 in October 2020.

Sarandi Arsenal (who lifted the Copa Sudamericana title in 2007) return to continental action following a remarkable campaign on their return to the top flight, when they managed to finish in 12th spot in the 2019/20 Argentine league. However, they are struggling this season. Last Sunday, El Viaducto beat Racing Club 2-1 at home to make it seven points from the last nine on offer, but they still occupy the bottom spot in the Copa Liga Profesional’s group A on eight points. They won at Godoy Cruz 3-2 in their last away match to stop a four-game losing streak on the road.

Arsenal are one of the worst team in the Argentinean league, they will have some missings tonight and I don’t think they have a way to hold this solid bolivian side that is always very strong at home thanks to the altitude factor.

BET: Bolivar -1.75 @ 1.95