Copa Libertadores
Palmeiras vs Boca Juniors Preview
Palmeiras will host the return leg of the semifinal against Boca Juniors at the Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo this Wednesday night.
The Felipe Scolari led club see themselves with a two-goal deficit when they played in Buenos Aires last Wednesday.
The loss to Boca ended a nine game unbeaten run for the Brazilian side.
Meanwhile, the six-time champions from Argentina are looking to seal their pass into the finals against their bitter rivals River Plate.
Team News
Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto is not allowed to communicate with the dugout. Additionally, he will have to manage from the stands.
Carlos Tevez will likely be once again on the bench for Los Xeneizes. However the Argentinian side come with most players in good form.
Additionally, Palmeiras brings most its players in clear shape and should be available for Felipao.
Possible Lineups
Palmeiras Starting XI: Weverton; Luan, Gustavo Gomez, Mayke, Diogo Barbosa, Felipe Melo; Bruno Henrique, Moises, Dudu, Borja, Willian.
Boca Juniors Starting XI: Rossi; Jara, Izquierdoz, Magallan, Olaza; Nandez, Barrios, Perez; Zarate; Pavon, Abila.
Prediction
Los Xeneizes will be keen to join their rivals River Plate in the final. Should Boca survive, this will be the first time El Super Clasico will be played in the Copa Libertadores finals.
However, neither side impressed over the weekend. Palmeira drew 1-1 against Flamengo in an away game. Meanwhile, Boca were 2-1 losers to Gimnasia de La Plata at La Plata.
A two goal lead may not be enough for Boca to edfe past Palmeiras. Scolari’s team has been dominant at home and are on a four-game winning streak while scoring at least two goals in those games.
Nonetheless, Boca has the edge as a mere draw would be healthy enough to place them in the finals.
Palmeiras 1 – 1 Boca
Where To Watch
The match won’t be televised in the United States. Copa Sudamericana and Copa MX will be available on Fox Deportes. You will have to stream online at Fanatiz if you like to watch the action that will start at 8:45 PM EST.
Photo credit to Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras via Flickr
