- Palmeiras are unbeaten in 4 of their last 5 matches across all competitions (W2, D2, L1).
- Junior FC are unbeaten in 4 of their last 5 games across all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
- The reverse fixture in Copa Libertadores Group F six weeks ago ended 1-1 at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez.
Pace vs pressure, Palmeiras vs Junior FC
Home side Palmeiras are in 2nd place on 8 points from 5 Copa Libertadores Group F matches, while away side CD Junior de Barranquilla are in 4th on 4 points from the same number of games. In their reverse fixture six weeks ago, the home side, Junior FC, had to settle for a 1-1 draw, and this time around, the group favorites are expected to finish the job on home soil, based on our Palmeiras vs CD Junior de Barranquilla prediction.
Abel Ferreira’s side are a team that can switch their shape from a 3 at the back to a 4 at the back, they press aggressively but their tempo is never low as they seek to protect a lead, or chase a game when behind. They score goals when they can, but they do so with precision, rarely squandering opportunities, while Allan, their creative hub, has already notched 2 assists in 5 Copa Libertadores games so far this season.
Junior FC are no easy opponents by any stretch of the imagination, having won 3 of their last 5 across all competitions, including an epic 3-2 Copa Libertadores victory over Sporting Cristal Lima a few weeks back. Alfredo Arias likes his side to play a structured 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, where they can be solid in a compact block, but can also release the handbrake and hit teams on the counter with pace and precision.
The Palmeiras vs CD Junior de Barranquilla preview highlights that the game on Thursday will be an interesting contrast between Palmeiras’ unrelenting pressing style and high tempo football and Junior’s more reactive approach, where they are at their best on the break. This Palmeiras vs CD Junior de Barranquilla prediction suggests that we expect goals here, so we’re taking the odds of 1.72 for Over 2.5 goals and the Palmeiras vs CD Junior de Barranquilla prediction is that there will be plenty of attacking intent on display.
Palmeiras to dominate proceedings
It will be tough for Junior to get anything from this game, considering they have lost both of their Copa Libertadores away fixtures so far and are yet to even score away from home in Group F. The Palmeiras vs CD Junior de Barranquilla prediction is that Palmeiras are winless in their last two home games (D1, L1) but are expected to get back on track against an away side who are struggling.
Both teams to score - no, is a 1.53 odds, which seems extremely low considering Palmeiras’ position in the group and their superior ability to adapt to the moment, while Junior are yet to score away from home. This Palmeiras vs CD Junior de Barranquilla betting tips section also points towards the home side’s advantage.
Jose Lopez is the top scorer for Palmeiras in this year’s Copa Libertadores Group F, with 2 goals in 5 games. He’ll be the clinical edge for the hosts on Thursday, while Luis Muriel has scored 2 goals in 5 for Junior and has scored 2 of their last 6 goals in all competitions. We’re sticking with the group favorites Palmeiras to win at 1.29.
