Real Esteli FC vs Art Municipal Jalapa Prediction & Betting Tips - Primera Division, Apertura

Prediction published on 17/03/2020, 06:45  by James | Modified on 17/03/2020 at 07:45 in Football Predictions

The early weeks of the Nicaraguan Premier Division throw up a doozy of a fixture in the coming days when Real Esteli host Municipal Jalapa at the Estadio Independencia. Eight games into the season, the teams are close together in the table with Real one place above their fifth-placed rivals Municipal in fourth, two points separating them. Champions of the Clausura last time out, Esteli will be hoping they can repeat the trick this time around. They haven't made the most convincing start, only winning one of their last five matches in the league. The only solace they can take from that run coming into this game is that that win was an emphatic one at home, 5-1 over Chinandega. This year, they are unbeaten in three of their four matches at home so defeat this week is unlikely.

Municipal have been in better form than their rivals, unbeaten in four of their last five games. Away from home, they are yet to taste victory, losing two of their four fixtures on the road. One thing that will concern Jalapa fans is the team's lack of potency in front of goal. Despite having Honduran forward Jarel Puerto, one of the league's top scorers, in their ranks, they have only managed to score four times in their last five outings. One imagines that they will try to keep the game from flowing as an open match doesn't favour them. Especially not against Real Esteli, who destroyed them 10-0 last year. We suggest backing the home team.