Palmeiras v Bolivar

Palmeiras vs Bolivar Preview

Palmeiras will be keen to set the record straight at their Allianz Parque ground when they entertain Bolivar in this top of the table clash in Group C with both teams sitting on 12 points apiece with just the issue of who wins the group to be determined.

Both Palmeiras and Bolivar have already sealed their places in the knockout round as they cannot be caught by the other two teams, Barcelona SC and Cerro Porteno, but Palmeiras head into this Thursday night's game on the back of two defeats on the trot, both of which were in the Brazilian top flight.

Recent losses to Bahia and Botafogo ended a previous three-match winning streak which included a 4-2 home win against Barcelona SC in the Copa Libertadores along with Serie A victories over Coritiba and Sao Paulo, while in the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras have won their last four games on the trot.

The bigger picture shows Palmeiras have lost just twice in their previous 25 games at this level, while goals also look set to feature in this upcoming encounter with Bolivar as seven of Palmeiras' last 10 matches in this competition have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

Bolivar bring a five-match unbeaten run into this clash which consists of four wins and a draw and includes previous wins in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores with victories gained over Barcelona SC and Cerro Porteno, both of which were recorded on home soil at their Estadio Hernando Siles.

Indeed, all four of Bolivar's recent wins have been registered in their own backyard but results away from home have told a very different story in recent times with Bolivar winning just two of their last 10 outings on the road in all competitions, which were collected in 5-0 and 4-0 wins at Blooming and Cerro Porteno respectively.

The bigger picture underlines how tough Bolivar have found away wins to come by as the visitors have managed to claim just three wins from their last 15 away games but goals also look likely whenever Bolivar feature in a game as 11 of Bolivar's last 15 away games have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Palmeiras v Bolivar Verdict

Palmeiras have been priced as overwhelming favourites to win this final group game but having lost their last two matches on the trot, the goals market looks the safer option here, especially as Bolivar have been in good form in recent times.

Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games lately and this trend looks set to continue on Thursday night as each of the previous four meetings have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.50

Other side bets worth considering:

Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score YES @ 2.87

Correct score: Palmeiras 3-1 @ 12.00