Cuiaba (Brazil) – Lanus (Argentina)

Cuiaba EC will face their third Copa Sudamericana campaign (and will fight for their first ticket to the knockout stage) after ending up in 12th spot of the Brazilian league table in 2023. On Saturday, the team managed a hard-fought 1-0 home success over fourth-tier side Uniao in the first leg of the Mato Grosso State Championship’s final, also making it 18 competitive matches unbeaten, winning 13 and drawing five in regular time. At home, Cuiaba haven’t lost any of the last ten (seven victories and three stalemates).

Lanus, who qualified for the Copa Sudamericana through a tenth place in the Argentine league aggregate table last term, will look for their second title in this competition (champions in 2013). Last Wednesday, the team settled for a 2-2 home draw against Union Santa Fe to remain occupying the second spot in the Copa Liga Profesional group B on 23 points, three behind leaders Godoy Cruz. Lanus lost only one of their last four competitive matches, winning two and drawing one, and also are on four successes in a row as the visiting side.

Cuiaba is on a great run on the state championships they are playing and especially strong at home where the very warm weather is a factor that gives them an edge. Lanus is also strong, they are close to secure a place in the playoffs of the argentinean league, they’ve scored 17 goals in their last 10 games but also conceded in 4 of their last 5, so I can imagine an open game here where both teams can score.

BET: OVER 2 @ 1.81