Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
90 minutes away from officially punching their spot in the final of this season’s Copa Libertadores Flamengo will travel to Avellaneda when they meet Racing Club in the early hours of Thursday.
Racing Club
Starting with the hosts, eventually falling to what was a deserved first-leg 1-0 defeat over in Brazil last week, Racing Club are more than aware that they have a major battle on their hands here. Returning to Avellaneda seeking what would be a famous Copa Libertadores upset in midweek, La Academia have struggled to find any real stability this year. Watching their Copa Argentina adventure come to an abrupt end earlier in the month as they suffered another 1-0 loss against historic rivals River Plate, Gustavo Costas’ camp have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Signing off September with an uninspiring 0-0 stalemate at home against Independiente, Racing Club have also shown some extended issues in the final third. Including their first-leg defeat in Rio de Janeiro last week, Thursday’s hosts have recorded more than a single strike in just one of their previous seven outings.
Racing Club Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Racing Club will be unable to call upon the duo of Alan Forneris and new recruit Elias Torres here. Likewise, once again missing out away in Brazil last week, one-time Belgrano defender Franco Pardo remains a major doubt.
Making a late cameo appearance off the bench in Rio de Janeiro, former Atletico Mineiro midfielder should get some more minutes under his belt. Now entering his second campaign in Avellaneda, ex-Atalanta United star Santiago Sosa will start at the heart of Costas’ defence.
Flamengo
As for the visitors, while some in Flamengo’s camp might have been frustrated last week as they eventually had to settle for just a one-goal advantage, Filipe Luis’ men travel over to Avellaneda sat in the driving seat. However, watching their three-match winning run come to an abrupt end over the weekend as they slumped to a 1-0 loss away at Fortaleza, the Brazilian giants are seeking an immediate Copa Libertadores response here. Failing to skyrocket their way to the top of the Serie A standings, the one-time Chelsea defender could have somewhat of a headache over his side’s recent inconsistencies on the road. Getting October underway with another 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bahia, Flamengo have lost three of their previous five showdowns outside of Rio de Janeiro across all competitions. Still with their sights set on completing an iconic silverware sweep this season, Luiz’s camp will be looking to punch their ticket in the final of this season’s Copa Libertadores with a statement of intent.
Flamengo Team News
Struggling to find any fluidity this season and dealing with a recent muscle issue, Flamengo will once again be without the services of former Benfica star Everton here. However, aside from the Brazilian international, Luiz’s camp have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Completing a blockbuster summer switch from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Jorginho will start in the middle of the park. Arriving from AC Milan back in July following a permanent move, former Tottenham star Emerson Royal could keep his spot at right-back.
Racing Club vs Flamengo Key Factors to Consider
- When Racing Club and Flamengo met for their first-leg showdown in Rio de Janeiro last week, Thursday’s guests collected a 1-0 victory on home soil.
- Racing Club have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- La Academia have recorded more than a single strike in just one of their previous seven outings.
- Flamengo have lost three of their previous five matchups outside of Rio de Janeiro.
- Only one of Flamengo’s last six appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Clinching a 1-0 first-leg victory in Rio de Janeiro last week, Flamengo will be desperate to finish off the job and book their spot in the final of this season’s Copa Libertadores. However, in what looks set to be a nail-biting showdown in the early hours of Thursday’s don’t be surprised to see chances come at a premium here. With Racing Club failing to record more than a single strike in six of their previous seven outings, we are expecting what should be another cagey affair from Avellaneda.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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