Barcelona Guayaquil v Cerro Porteno

Barcelona SC vs Cerro Porteno Preview

Group C has most definitely split into two halves prior to this final round of games in the group phase of the Copa Libertadores, as both Bolivar and Palmeiras have already qualified for the knockout round, while it's a straight shoot-out between Thursday's hosts, Barcelona SC and visitors, Cerro Porteno.

Barcelona and Cerro Porteno both possess just three points apiece heading into this crucial encounter and only one of these teams will qualify for the last remaining South American spot and the Copa Sudamericana.

Barcelona have stumbled along in disappointing fashion in recent times it has to be said as the hosts have managed to collect just one win out of their last six matches in all competitions which came in the form of a 2-1 win away at Guayaquil City in the Ecuadorian Primera Division but the hosts have also slipped to numerous defeats as well.

No fewer than five defeats in their last six games overall does not bode well for Thursday's hosts, Barcelona SC, but at least it's been entertaining as five of Barcelona's last six games have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

On the Copa Libertadores front, Barcelona SC have managed just one win from their last seven matches, so the goals market definitely appeals here.

Onto Cerro Porteno and the Paraguayan visitors have also struggled to put together any sort of meaningful sequence of results lately as they have managed to capture just one win from their previous eight games in all competitions, that being a 2-0 home win against Libertad in the Paraguayan Division Profesional.

However, four defeats within this period include losses in the Copa Libertadores to Palmeiras (3-0 at home) and Bolivar (2-0 away from home), while five of Cerro Porteno's last eight games have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

Cerro Porteno have also lost each of their last four games on the trot in this competition, three of which saw three goals or more scored, so again, the goals market appears to be the best option for this vital clash at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha on Thursday night.

Barcelona SC v Cerro Porteno Verdict

Neither Barcelona SC nor Cerro Porteno look to be in any sort of form heading into this upcoming encounter so really, it looks like being anyone's game here which suggests that it may be best to steer away from the straight win market here.

However, goals could feature as three of the last four meetings between Barcelona SC and Cerro Porteno have produced Over 2.5 goals and this trend could well continue on Thursday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.76

Other side bets worth considering:

Barcelona SC win @ 1.80

Correct score: Barcelona SC 2-1 @ 8.50