Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
The Matchday 5 clash of the Copa Sudamericana group stage is set for Thursday at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where local side Cerro Largo will host Brazilian outfit Vitória. Here’s my pick for the result in this encounter, featuring an attractive set of odds.
Match preview
Uruguayan side Cerro Largo continue to struggle in the Copa Sudamericana, with their results leaving much to be desired. The team has managed just one win in four matches, which clearly points to ongoing issues. In their most recent outing, they suffered a 1-3 home defeat to group leaders Universidad Católica.
Despite these underwhelming stats, Cerro Largo currently sit second in the group, edging out rivals Vitória and Defensa y Justicia by a single point. Now back at home—where, to be honest, results have been disappointing—they face Vitória, whom the Uruguayans narrowly defeated 1-0 in the opening matchday.
Vitória have also failed to impress during the Copa Sudamericana group stage, collecting just three points from four matches. Their recent 1-1 draw with Defensa y Justicia highlighted the team’s ongoing attacking struggles and general instability.
On the road, Vitória have been poor, and in this upcoming fixture in Uruguay, they’ll need to overcome not only their offensive issues but also Cerro Largo’s resolute defense. Over the weekend, Vitória hosted Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian league and secured a 2-1 win, snapping a five-match winless run that included three draws and two defeats.
Probable line-ups
- Cerro Largo: G. Santilli, A. Garcia, M. Brazil Alcaire, F. Parada, F. Bonifazi, S. Assis, M. Bertocchi, M. Mir, A. Perez, M. Anasco, F. Peraza
- Vitória: G. Santilli, A. Garcia, M. Brazil Alcaire, F. Parada, F. Bonifazi, S. Assis, M. Bertocchi, M. Mir, A. Perez, M. Anasco, F. Peraza
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams scored in three of Vitória’s last five matches
- The “Over 2.5 goals” bet landed in just one of Vitória’s last six games
- “Both teams to score” came through in Cerro Largo’s last three matches
Prediction
Bookmakers give a slight edge to the visitors, setting Vitória’s win at odds around 2.20. We believe the away side won’t lose here, so our pick is “Vitória to win with a (0) handicap” at odds of 1.60.
