Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Turning their attention back to Copa Libertadores duties in the early hours of Wednesday, Boca Juniors will welcome Barcelona SC to Buenos Aires.
Boca Juniors
Starting with the hosts, while some in Boca Juniors camp might have been disappointed over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Independiente, Claudio Ubeda’s side should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Getting their Copa Libertadores adventure underway with a 2-1 victory away at Chilean outfit Universidad Catolica, the Argentinian giants have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine title charge this season. Marking their return from March’s international break with a gritty 1-0 win against Talleres Cordoba, Boca are unbeaten in all of their previous 11 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to February 9th. It should also be highlighted, Ubeda’s men have not suffered a single defeat in Buenos Aires so far this calendar year.
Boca Juniors Team News
Not featuring over the past two months and still sidelined with a reported back injury, Boca Juniors will be unable to call upon veteran striker Edinson Cavani in midweek. Likewise, Chile international Carlos Palacios is still dealing with a long-term knee injury.
Now in his second campaign in Buenos Aires, former Manchester United star Ander Herrera will start in the middle of the park. Serving a domestic suspension over the weekend, ex-Tottenham midfielder Leandro Paredes should be handed an immediate full recall.
Barcelona SC
As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against Leones del Norte, Barcelona have enjoyed another rugged start to proceedings. However, although the Ecuadorian outfit might have their sights set on mounting a genuine domestic title charge in 2026, Cesar Farias’ side got their Copa Libertadores adventure underway with a toothless performance in Guayaquil. Eventually falling to a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Brazilian giants Cruzeiro to town last week, Barcelona will be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. Despite registering four consecutive clean sheets away from the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, Wednesday’s guests are pencilled in as a real underdog contender on foreign soil.
Barcelona SC Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Barcelona SC will travel to Buenos Aires Johan Garcia and former Monterrey striker Joao Rojas Lopez in midweek. Only completing a permanent switch to Pichincha last month, Ecuadorian international Jefferson Intriago will be hoping to keep his spot from the start.
Handed a full domestic rest over the weekend, Newells Old Boys loanee Luca Sosa could be handed an immediate full recall at the heart of Barcelona’s defence here. Despite notching just a single strike from his last seven outings, ex-Boca Juniors striker Dario Benedetto should lead the line on his return to Buenos Aires.
Boca Juniors vs Barcelona SC Key Factors to Consider
- When Boca Juniors and Barcelona SC last met for a Copa Libertadores showdown back in May 2021, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate in Buenos Aires.
- The Argentinian giants are unbeaten in their previous 11 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Boca have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.
- Barcelona SC have registered four consecutive cleans sheets on the road.
- The last three meetings between Wednesday’s opponents have produced just two goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
While Boca Juniors might open Wednesday’s showdown pencilled in as a landslide contender in Buenos Aires, don’t be surprised to see chances come at a premium. With the two sides playing out an uneventful 0-0 stalemate when they last met for a Copa Libertadores showdown back in May 2021, the midweek opponents have a habit of producing cagey affairs. It should also be highlighted, Barcelona SC have registered four consecutive clean sheets on their travels across all competitions.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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