Ceara (Brazil) vs Arsenal (Argentina)

Ceara SC took a valuable point on their visit to Bolivar following a scoreless draw. That result allowed them to stay as group C leaders on five points (level with their last opponents but favoured by a better goal difference). The team played four matches since then, with the alternative XI beating Icasa 1-0 on Tuesday in the most recent one. Ceara managed ten points in five rounds in their state championship, trailing leaders Ferroviario by three. Overall, Augusto Ferreira’s men succumbed to a single defeat in their last 17 competitive matches, winning ten and drawing six. They lost 2-1 to EC Bahia in the return leg of the Copa Nordeste’s final a week ago, which stopped a ten-match unbeaten streak of eight victories and two draws.

Sarandi Arsenal are back in the fight for a ticket to the round-of-16 after their 3-0 home success over Jorge Wilstermann last Thursday. Sergio Rondina’s men made it four points in three games and occupy third place in group C, but trail leaders by a single point. On Sunday, a completely alternative XI settled for a 1-1 home draw against CA Central Cordoba to end their campaign in the Copa Liga Profesional (where they took 12 points in 13 rounds). Arsenal lost only one of their last five games in all competitions, winning two and drawing two. On away turf, they registered two successes and two losses in the last four.

Even if Arsenal has improved lately, this trip to Brazil should be too much for them and I can see the hosts getting the win they need.

BET: Ceara -1 @ 2.0