- Platense are currently 2nd in Copa Libertadores Group E with 6 points from their first 3 group stage games.
- Penarol Montevideo are bottom of the same group, with just 1 point from their 3 fixtures so far.
- Platense beat Penarol Montevideo 2-1 away from home in the reverse of this fixture.
Platense have momentum in the Libertadores
This Platense vs Penarol Montevideo preview highlights that Platense have been the surprise team in Copa Libertadores Group E so far, and they have a chance to continue their early group stage momentum by beating the group’s bottom team Penarol Montevideo on Thursday.
The hosts have a mixed home record so far in the group, with 1 win and 1 defeat from 2 fixtures, scoring 1.00 goals per match on average and conceding 1.50. The hosts are a fast-paced team who like to push their wide players and get forward quickly, and manager Walter Zunino’s 4-4-2 system ensures that his team are always on the front foot, pressing their opponents high up the field and trying to force errors.
Our Platense vs Penarol Montevideo prediction reflects the quality of Guido Mainero, who is a creative force in Platense’s line-up, providing 2 assists in the Copa Libertadores so far, while Franco Zapiola is the team’s main threat in front of goal, scoring 1 goal in 3 games. Platense have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5 in all competitions, but their last outing in the Copa Libertadores was a 2-1 victory at home against Independiente Santa Fe.
Penarol’s back line will struggle to contain Platense’s pace
Diego Aguirre has been trying to get Penarol to play a pragmatic, compact system in which they press in numbers and hold compact lines. The Uruguayans are dangerous in transition, however, their recent results have shown cracks appearing in this set-up.
Platense vs Penarol Montevideo betting tips indicate that Penarol have lost 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5, and have lost consecutive games in their previous 2 outings. Matias Arezo remains their main goal threat with 2 goals in 3 Copa Libertadores games, while Luis Angulo also offers a threat to the opposition, having scored 2 and assisted 1 in his last 5 appearances.
Hosts have a great chance to extend group lead
Penarol Montevideo have been particularly poor on the road, they’re winless away from home in the Copa Libertadores so far, having drawn 1 and lost 1 in their 2 away games. Our Platense vs Penarol Montevideo prediction is further supported by the fact that they have only scored 1 goal in these 2 fixtures, and their opponents look a good price to win this game at 2.12.
This fixture is a classic of styles, with Platense’s width and pressure looking to get the better of Penarol’s compact structure, and the home side’s high tempo play may force the Uruguayans into defensive errors. Penarol should be dangerous on the counter, though, so expect Platense to edge a high-scoring game. Back Over 2.5 goals, and Both Teams to Score - Yes, at 2.51 and 2.1, respectively.
