Fluminense v Sporting Cristal

Fluminense vs Sporting Cristal Preview

Just three points separate the bottom club and top club in Group D ahead of this final round of group matches and so there is still everything to play for in this final fixture with both Fluminense and Sporting Cristal in with a decent chance of achieving a place in the knockout round of this season's Copa Libertadores.

Although Fluminense have claimed top spot in Group D prior to this final matchday in the competition, recent results have been pretty inconsistent where the hosts have been concerned as Fluminense have managed to win just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Wins against Bragantino and Bahia, both in the Brazilian top flight and both by 2-1 margins have been outweighed by five recent defeats, two of which were in the Copa Libertadores, suffering losses to The Strongest and River Plate, both being away from home.

However, results at home in the Copa Libertadores have been impressive as the hosts have lost just once in their last 13 games whilst winning their last four matches on the trot, scoring 11 goals in the process, and five of Fluminense's last 10 home games have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Third-placed Sporting Cristal have produced a somewhat inconsistent looking campaign in the group stage of this season's Copa Libertadores as the visitors have won two, drawn one and lost two of their five group games played to date.

Sporting Cristal had previously had to progress through two preliminary rounds before reaching the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, courtesy of wins against Nacional Asunsion and Huracan, and although the visitors have posted wins against Bolivian outfit, The Strongest, home and away, defeats to Fluminense and River Plate in 3-1 and 4-2 losses respectively suggest the goals market may be the better choice for this upcoming clash.

The Peruvian visitors have tended to struggle on their travels at this level as well, with Sporting Cristal winning just once in their last 11 outings on the road in the Copa Libertadores and being on the losing end in eight of these matches, while seven of these 11 games have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

Fluminense v Sporting Cristal Verdict

Fluminense recorded a 3-1 win away from home in their previous meeting against Sporting Cristal and the hosts will be pressing home their advantage on Tuesday night no doubt in order to make sure of a place in the knockout round of this competition but this game appears to hang in the balance as Sporting Cristal also have a chance of claiming a top two finish in Group D.

Goals therefore looks the safer option here for this encounter.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.58

Other side bets worth considering:

Fluminense win & Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80

Correct score: Fluminense 2-1 @ 10.00