- The draw at 2.89 seems a great bet for Thursday’s Group G clash.
- Barracas Central have failed to win any of their last five games, drawing four and losing one.
- Olimpia Asuncion have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five.
Cagey clash expected as Olimpia face Barracas Central
Olimpia Asuncion face Barracas Central in a crunch Copa Sudamericana Group G game in Buenos Aires on Thursday when both teams could do with a result to keep their qualification chances alive.
The Paraguayans are 3rd in the group on four points from three games, one point ahead of the Argentine hosts who sit bottom on three. According to our Barracas Central vs Olimpia Asuncion prediction, neither can afford to drop all three points here if they are to progress from the group.
The mood music coming out of both camps suggests this game will be a low-scoring, cagey affair because the Barracas Central style is to set up with a compact, deep block and defend well from the back. Ruben Dario Insua’s side do not have much of a goal threat on the break and prefer to play long balls and hope to nick a goal.
Olimpia are much more positive and play in a flexible formation with players interchangeable across the front three and midfield. The Barracas Central vs Olimpia Asuncion preview points out that Pablo Andres Sanchez’s men are an energetic side that like to press and get forward quickly with numbers when they have the ball.
Barracas have defensive record to keep Olimpia out
Juan Alfaro has been Olimpia’s most trusty goal threat in this competition with one goal in three group matches, while Rodrigo Bogarin is Barracas Central’s leading marksman with one strike in his only Copa Sudamericana appearance so far. Creative midfielder Bernardo Benitez has two assists in three Copa Sudamericana games for Olimpia and could be the catalyst for their play up front again.
Olimpia have won one and lost one of their two away games in this group, conceding three goals, while Barracas Central have conceded just once in their two home games. The hosts have failed to win any of their last three home games, drawing two and losing the other, but have remained relatively solid defensively.
A cagey, defensive approach from Barracas and Olimpia’s desire to press and play vertically means there won’t be many open gaps or chances. The 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in Paraguay two weeks ago tells us that both coaches will be trying to stay compact and organised in this game, so we think the odds of 1.35 for under 2.5 goals and 1.58 for both teams not to score are a bit on the low side.
This Barracas Central vs Olimpia Asuncion prediction suggests that a draw at 2.89 is our play here, although we believe Barracas Central could edge it as they have more of a defensive structure. For more analysis, see our Barracas Central vs Olimpia Asuncion betting tips for additional insights on this closely contested match.
