Universidad Catolica vs Banfield

Universidad Catolica (Quito) are in need of a win following their heartbreaking 3-2 away defeat at Santos in Brazil two weeks ago. The Ecuadorian side accumulated only one point in two games and are trailing leaders Union La Calera by one. However, the team also beat Tecnico Universitario 4-1 at home last Sunday to remain occupying fourth spot of the league table on 17 points, five behind leaders Barcelona after ten rounds. Miguel Rondelli’s men have been irregular lately, winning three, drawing one and losing three of their last seven competitive matches. However, Catolica are on three games unbeaten at home, with two successes and one draw.

Banfield were displaced from the top of the group C table in week two, when they lost 1-0 away at Union La Calera, who climbed into the first spot. Diego Dabove’s men remain on three points, one behind leaders. Last Saturday, the team managed a 3-1 home success over Talleres to keep their hope alive in the league: accumulating 17 points in group A, El Taladro are trailing fourth-placed Argentinos Juniors by four with two games to go. That victory also stopped a three-game losing streak in all competitions (two of them on away turf).

Playing at the high altitude of Quito is always a challenge for argentinean teams, and I don’t see this irregular Banfield prepared to overcome this important factor.

BET: Universidad Catolica -0.75 @ 2.03