Deportivo Pereira will be attempting to progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores when they travel to Independiente del Valle for their second-leg tie on Thursday.
The visitors head into this one with a 1-0 lead to protect, which will force the hosts to play out in a more attacking capacity from the first whistle.
Match preview
© Reuters
There was very little to separate the two teams during the first leg of this round of 16 encounter, but Independiente del Valle came up short after conceding in the 58th minute.
Danilo Santacruz's goal proved to be decisive in that match with Deportivo Pereira dominating in terms of their attacking display by having 16 shots throughout the game, despite the fact their opponents had the lion's share of possession.
The defeat means that the hosts will have to play a more attacking game this time around, as they will require at least two goals if they want to progress into the next round.
However, Martin Anselmi's men went on to suffer another 1-0 defeat on Sunday against Mushuc Runa in the LigaPro, continuing to push the difficult spell that they are in.
Independiente del Valle have now lost three matches on the bounce, which is a run that they will be desperate to end, with this being the perfect timing to allow the cup run to continue.
© Reuters
However, with the visitors already having a 1-0 lead and their opponents having failed to score more than once in a game since June, they will be confident of defending the lead.
Deportivo Pereira showcased their attacking quality in that match, despite the fact that they only scored once across that game.
However, the victory in the first leg of this tie was their first win in their last six, which showcases that just like their opponents, the form of the visitors is not the strongest right now.
Another win is something that could change those fortunes, allowing their run in the competition to continue and develop, which would be a welcome situation right now.
Alejandro Piedrahita came off the bench to score a late equaliser for the club at the weekend, and the dedication and fighting spirit until the very end could be vital on Thursday.
Team News
The hosts have used three at the back recently, but considering the need to not concede in this one it would not be a surprise to see them revert to four to provide more protection.
At the other end of the field, Marcelo Moreno could end up finding himself being part of the starting lineup this time around after featuring at the weekend.
For the visitors, Piedrahita might be hoping that he has done enough to earn a place from the first whistle this time around after scoring as a substitute at the weekend.
Arley Rodriguez has been an attacking threat for Deportivo Pereira as of late, and he is expected to be part of the starting XI in this match.
Independiente del Valle possible starting lineup:
Villa; Fernandez, Carabajal, Basso, Medina; Faravelli, Alcivar, Ortiz; Paez, Diaz, Moreno
Deportivo Pereira possible starting lineup:
Quintana; Quintero, Vasquez, Suarez; Moreno, Velasquez, Angulo, Zuluaga, Fory; Arley Rodriguez, Angelo Rodriguez
We say: Independiente del Valle 1-2 Deportivo Pereira
The fixture proved to be a close one when the teams met in the first leg, and Independiente del Valle will be sure to provide stiff competition.
However, the visitors already boast a lead and with the poor form that the hosts are in as of late Deportivo Pereira should be able to retain it and progress.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
