Copa Libertadores
Boca Juniors vs Palmeiras Preview
In the second of the rounds of Argentina vs Brazil clashes, Boca Juniors receives Palmeiras at the Bombonera for the first leg of Copa Libertadores semifinals.
Nonetheless, this is the third time these two will meet for this edition of the Copa Libertadores. Both sides were in Group H with Junior (Colombia) and Alianza de Lima (Peru).
Palmeiras are in great form under the tutelage of Luiz Felipe Scolari. Additionally, the club has provided Scolari with a squad of formidable depth.
Meanwhile, Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto have yet to find themselves in attach despite the addition of Carlos Tevez. For this reason, Los Bosteros find are in fifth place in the Argentina Primera Division.
Team News
Despite their bad form in the Argentinian Superliga, los Xeneizes have all their conviction in the Libertadores. Additionally, all of their efforts have been hoisted on this competition more so than the domestic.
Unfortunately, the lineup has been plague with injuries. Carlos Lampe was brought to reinforce the goal posts.
However, Barros Schelotto has been criticized mostly for being unable to find a place for Tevez among Mauro Zarate and Edwin Cardona. Nonetheless, Sebastian Villa and Claudio Pavon have carried the team on occasions for the same reason.
Meanwhile the legendary ‘Felipao’ looks to have control of the ball. However, his tactics lately have been to sit deep and explode on the counter attacks. At least, this was what worked in group stages against Boca.
Possible Lineups
Boca Juniors Starting XI: Rossi; Jara, Izquierdoz, Magallan, Olaza; Nandez, Barrios P., Perez; Zarate; Pavon, Abila.
Palmeiras Starting XI: Weverton; Edu Dracena, Antonio Carlos, Mayke, Victor Luis, Thiago Santos; Bruno Henrique, Moises, Dudu, Borja, Willian.
Prediction
All indicates that Palmeiras are still seeking revenge for their loss in the 2000 finals against Boca that had them on the losing side. The Brazilians have certainly waited a long time to revenge that loss.
Anytime there are Argentinians versus Brazilian matches, the feelings spark up and flairs between both side start showing. Boca at home has a greater chance but can’t take Palmeiras easy after they saw their bitter rivals (River Plate) take an L against Gremio on Tuesday.
Where To Watch?
Unfortunately, if you are in the United States you will only be able to catch the game on @Fanatiztv. Fox Sports has the rights to transmit these games but they will show them the following day due to the World Series matche between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The game is set to start at 8:45 PM Eastern Time.
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Photo credit to Departamento de Prensa Boca Juniors via Flickr
