Corinthians (Brazil) vs Newell’s (Argentina)
SC Corinthians secured a massive 2-1 away success at Peru’s Universitario to make it 3-1 on aggregate and overcame the Copa Sudamericana playoff. On Saturday, the team also managed a 3-1 home victory over Vasco da Gama to extend their impressive unbeaten streak to seven matches (six victories in regular time and one draw). However, O Timao are producing a poor campaign in the Brazilian league, accumulating 19 points to occupy 14th place. In addition, Corinthians won their last four home matches in a row since losing to Red Bull Bragantino on July 2nd.
Meanwhile, Newell’s Old Boys wrapped up an almost perfect campaign in the group stage with a 1-1 home draw against Chilean side Audax Italiano and made it 16 points in six matches. On Friday, coach Gabriel Heinze fielded a completely alternative XI and the side ended up drawing 1-1 against Talleres at home, which means La Lepra are on three matches without a win (drawing two and losing one). They are now occupying 14th place of the Liga Profesional table on 35 points, five behind the last continental spot. On away turf, Newell’s secured a single victory across the last four, along with one draw and two losses.
Newell’s had a great groups stage in this competition but they’ve been very poor in the league, showing poor and worrying performances, and I expect them to lose here at Brazil against a Corinthians side that has been very strong at home.