Lanús vs Always Ready: Who can win the first Copa Libertadores clash?
In the Copa Libertadores group stage, we are set for a meeting between Lanús and Always Ready. The match will take place overnight into Friday, April 17, with kick-off scheduled for 00:00 CET. I’m offering a betting pick for this one.
Lanús vs Always Ready: Match facts and head-to-head
- Lanús have won only once in their last four matches.
- Always Ready have also managed just one victory in their previous four games.
- Lanús are unbeaten in their last three home matches.
- Lanús have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches.
- Always Ready have scored at least one goal in each of their last 12 away matches.
- In five of their last ten matches, Always Ready scored in both halves.
- Always Ready have won four of their last ten matches without conceding, while Lanús have done so in 27% of their games.
- Lanús have lost 20% of their matches this season without scoring, while Always Ready have done so in 10%.
- These two sides have never faced each other before.
Lanús vs Always Ready: Match preview
Lanús are the Argentine representatives and have been performing fairly well in the new season. The team currently have 22 points after 13 rounds of the Primera Apertura and sit third in their section. There are still three matches remaining, and Lanús have not yet mathematically secured a playoff place, as their gap over eighth spot is only four points, so they still need to keep collecting points. Things have not gone as smoothly in the Copa Libertadores, however, as they lost their opening match 0-1 to Mirasol. The situation is far from critical because it was only the first round, but they need to start winning if they want to reach the playoffs.
Always Ready are a Bolivian side who only recently began their new Professional League campaign. They have played two rounds and collected four points. The team beat Tomayapo 4-0, while a few days ago they earned a 1-1 away draw against Aurora. Before that came a Copa Libertadores clash at home against LDU Quito, which ended in a 0-1 defeat. That leaves them without a point as well, just like Lanús. The situation is not yet critical, but if the side want to reach the playoffs, they need to start winning.
Probable line-ups
- Lanús: Losada, Izquierdoz, Canale, Marcich, Guidara, Medina, Watson, Sepúlveda, Cardozo, Carrera, Salvio
- Always Ready: Baroja, Rodríguez, Caicedo, Rambal, Hurtado, Rai Lima, Amoroso, Cuéllar, Godoy, Nava, Triverio
Prediction
Both teams lost in the opening round, so each side will clearly be desperate for a win here. I believe Lanús can get the job done at home, especially with the more stable squad. My suggested pick is Lanús team total over 2 goals.
