- Nacional won 4-0 at home against Cerro in their last match, bouncing back from a 3-0 loss at Deportes Tolima in Copa Libertadores.
- Universitario de Deportes drew 0-0 away at Sport Boys before losing 1-0 at home to Atletico Grau.
Crucial clash in Group B
Club Nacional de Montevideo will have been encouraged by their 4-0 victory at home against fellow Uruguayan side Cerro last time out as they bounced back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Deportes Tolima in the Copa Libertadores. Our Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Universitario de Deportes prediction is that this recent home form could give Nacional the edge in this vital encounter.
Jorge Bava has made his mark as Nacional boss with his compact, intense style and an organised 4-4-1-1 system that allows them to stay solid and compact when out of possession and then transition quickly.
They have scored an average of 3.00 goals per home match in the Copa Libertadores so far, so Universitario de Deportes will need to be cautious of the counter-attack when in possession. According to the Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Universitario de Deportes preview, this tactical setup could make Nacional hard to break down on their home turf.
However, Universitario have struggled on their travels in the Copa Libertadores so far, drawing 0-0 at Sport Boys and remaining winless away, with just 1 goal in 2 away games.
The Peruvian side usually line up in a 3-5-2 with wing-backs that helps them dominate wide areas and they look to get men forward down the flanks.
Alex Valera has scored the most Copa Libertadores goals for Universitario so far with 2 in 4, but Edison Flores has been their most reliable attacking threat in all competitions with 3 of their last 6.
Jorge Araujo is in charge, but this match will likely be Héctor Cúper’s first in charge and it will be interesting to see if the new head coach’s influence is evident.
Universitario are 3rd in Group B with 4 points from 4 matches, while Nacional are 4th on 4 points, so the result will be key in determining the makeup of the group for the remainder of the competition.
A Nacional victory is the main selection for Wednesday’s game given their home record and the odds on offer (1.98), although the tactical contrast between the two sides should lead to an open match and an abundance of chances at both ends, so Over 2.5 goals is taken at 2.23 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.94. In terms of Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Universitario de Deportes betting tips, goals at both ends appear likely.
Additionally, this Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Universitario de Deportes prediction takes into account Nacional’s attacking prowess and home advantage, which could prove decisive.
