Palestino (Chile) vs San Lorenzo (Argentina)
Misael Davila’s strike in the second half allowed Palestino to take a valuable 1-0 home success over Venezuela’s Estudiantes de Merida two weeks ago. The team made it three points in two matches to occupy third spot in group H, trailing second-placed San Lorenzo only by goal difference. Last Saturday, the team lost 2-1 to CD Nublense at home, dropping down to 11th place of the Chilean league table on 15 points after 12 rounds, just five above the relegation zone. Palestino lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, winning only one in that spell. As hosts, they registered four victories, two draws and two defeats in 2023. Their continental games usually take place at O’Higgins.
Meanwhile, San Lorenzo succumbed to an unexpected 2-0 home defeat to Fortaleza EC (Brazil) in week two after conceding twice in stoppage time. As a result, El Ciclon remain on three points and are now sitting in second place in group H, trailing leaders by three. However, that was their only loss across the last eight games in all competitions (four wins and three draws) On Saturday, Ruben Insua’s men registered a scoreless away draw at Velez Sarsfield, which allows them to hold onto second spot in the Liga Profesional on 28 points in 14 rounds, six behind table toppers River Plate. San Lorenzo are unbeaten in their last four on the road, winning two and drawing two.
I’m going to trust this solid San Lorenzo against this mediocre midtable chilean team. After the unexpected defeat at home in the previous game now they need points, and this looks like a good chance for them against a team that doesn’t even play their international games at their own stadium.