Round five of the 2022-23 Copa Sudamericana sees Ecuadorian outfit Emelec entertain the challenge of Paraguayan side Guarani at Estadio George Capwell.
The teams head into this one off the back of contrasting results in their most recent league outings, but Thursday's clash promises to be an exciting watch nonetheless.
Match preview
Emelec had to settle for a point in their fourth Copa Sudamericana clash against Huracan, which ended 2-2 at Estadio Tomas Adolfo Duco two Fridays ago.
Miguel Rondelli's men went 1-0 and 2-1 down in Buenos Aires but were able to restore parity on both occasions through Alejandro Cabeza and Miller Bolanos.
As a result, El Bombillo have moved up to third place in what remains a highly-congested group, as all four teams are separated by only three points.
Coming up next is a second-ever encounter against an opposing side who came away with a 1-1 draw in the only previous meeting between the teams back in May.
Having come out on top in just one of their last five matches on home turf, Thursday's hosts will need to get going in front of their fans if they are to avoid being left on the brink of continental elimination.
Guarani showed great mettle to claim a crucial 2-0 win over Danubio in the sides' Group B involvement at Estadio Centenario a fortnight ago.
After soaking up pressure for large spells of the game, Rodrigo Lopez's men broke the deadlock through Federico Santander before Alexis Cantero sealed the deal with 10 minutes left to play.
A tally of seven points from four games so far leaves El Aborigen top of their group heading into the penultimate round of group-stage fixtures.
Currently on a run of seven goals scored across their last three away matches, Thursday's visitors set out to confirm their place in the knockout stages of the Copa Sudamericana by securing all three points here.
Team News
Alejandro Cabeza is ineligible to feature as he serves a one-game ban for receiving his marching orders in Emelec's last continental outing.
This could see Jose Cevallos earn a recall to the lineup for what would be the midfielder's fourth start in five Copa Sudamericana matches.
With four goals in his last five appearances across all competitions, 33-year-old Miller Bolanos is definitely one to keep a close eye on here.
Guarani's Federico Santander currently leads the Copa Sudamericana scoring charts having netted four times in as many games, and he will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Victor Cespedes will be targeting a return to action in this one after sitting out his side's most recent league involvement through suspension.
Emelec possible starting lineup:
Ortiz; Fara, Leon, Leguizamon; Carabali, Villalba, Valencia, Sosa; Cevallos, Bolanos, Angulo
Guarani possible starting lineup:
Munoz; Clar, Moya, Roman, Caceres; Dorrego, Romero, Rios, Benitez; Santander, Camacho
We say: Emelec 2-1 Guarani
With so much left to play for, both Emelec and Guarani are expected to be fully up for the clash as they look to secure a place in the knockout phase. We expect an entertaining affair with high attacking endeavour and a narrow win for the hosts in the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Adepoju Marvellous
