Emelec vs Defensa y Justicia Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa Sudamericana

Prediction published on 30/07/2023, 16:38  by Sridhar in Football Predictions

Two teams which progressed from the group stages will be on display as Emelec host Defensa y Justicia at the George Capwell stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. This is the first leg of the round of 16 Copa Sudamericana with the winner of this two-legged tie facing either Botafogo or Guarani in the quarters. The Ecuadorian side Emelec started in the first stage qualification before progressing to Group B in this competition. They finished second in that group behind Guarani to make it to the knockouts where they defeated Sporting Cristal 1-0 on aggregate. Interestingly, the hosts have been a tough nut to crack with only one defeat across their last nine matches. Yet, with five of those ending as draws, they haven’t quite found their mojo to close out matches. Even in this year’s competition they have drawn four of their last six matches highlighting their problems.

Defensa y Justicia have no such qualms, winning their last five matches in the Copa Sudamericana. Much like their hosts, they started in the group stages of this year’s campaign. Defensa topped Group F with five wins and a defeat to make it straight to the round of 16. Although they were beaten 2-0 in their last league game, Defensa have won five and drawn two across their last eight matches. To add to those concerns, their away form has been patchy with Defensa winning just one of their last five matches on the road. Of these, there have been three defeats although their away Copa Sudamericana form is better with two consecutive wins.