Colo-Colo vs. America Mineiro (Tuesday, 11.00pm)
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Colo-Colo host America Mineiro in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round-of-32 clash on Tuesday.
The Chileans have fallen into South America's secondary competition after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while America Mineiro came second in Group F.
We say: Colo-Colo 2-0 America Mineiro
Colo-Colo should be the fresher team given that their domestic season has been paused since mid-May, and we can envisage them using this factor and home advantage to help them secure a healthy first-leg lead.
After two respectable mid-table finishes in Brazil, America Mineiro have been disappointing this time around, with another relegation battle looking set to be on the cards. They face an uphill battle here.
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Barcelona vs. Estudiantes (Wednesday, 1.00am)
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Barcelona SC host Estudiantes in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
The Ecuadorians have dropped down to South America's secondary competition after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while the Argentinians finished second in Group C.
We say: Barcelona SC 1-1 Estudiantes
Estudiantes are unbeaten in this year's competition, and returning to Argentina with that record intact will be their primary aim when they arrive into Ecuador in midweek.
The hosts endured a miserable campaign in the Copa Libertadores, but they will recognise that this represents a drop in class, even if it is not one we expect them to win.
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Corinthians vs. Universitario (Wednesday, 1.30am)
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The knockout round playoffs at the Copa Sudamericana begin on Tuesday as Corinthians battle Universitario in their opening leg at Neo Quimica Arena.
Timao were relegated into this tournament after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group stage, while the Peruvians defeated Gimnasia at home in their final group fixture at the Sudamericana (1-0) as they finished second.
We say: Corinthians 2-0 Universitario
While the Peruvians have held their own in this competition to date, their track record against Brazilian opponents has been poor for years, and a lack of experience on a big stage might be too much for them to handle.
The 2023 campaign at Corinthians has been poor, but we believe they are starting to come together with an improved defensive backline, while looking much more cohesive.
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Ben Knapton
