Deportivo Pereira will be aiming to take a big step towards securing a top-two finish in Group F when they take on Monagas in the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday night.
The visitors are currently second in the section, level on points (seven) with leaders Boca Juniors, while Monagas are bottom, picking up just two points from their opening four matches.
Match preview
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Monagas are one of four Venezuelan teams competing in the 2023 Copa Libertadores, securing their position in the group stage of the competition due to their runners-up spot in the 2022 Primera Division.
Los Azulgranas find themselves in a difficult position in Group F, though, having picked up just two points from their opening four games, which has left them bottom of the section.
Monagas opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Boca Juniors but then lost their next two to Colo Colo and Deportivo Pereira before drawing 1-1 with Colo Colo at home last time out.
Jhonny Ferreira's side will take on Deportivo Pereira and Boca Juniors in their final two games in the section, and two wins will be required if they are to stand a chance of progressing to the round of 16.
Monagas, who were only formed in 1987, are also 14 games into their current domestic season, picking up 18 points to sit down in ninth position, and they are actually winless in their last five games in all competitions during a disappointing run of form.
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Deportivo Pereira, meanwhile, sit second in Group F, level on seven points with leaders Boca Juniors, only trailing the Argentine outfit on goal difference.
Having been crowned 2022 Finalizacion champions, the team automatically qualified for the group stage of this competition; a slow start to the section saw them pick up just one point from their opening two games, drawing at home to Colo Colo before losing 2-1 at Boca Juniors.
However, Alejandro Restrepo's side were 2-1 winners over Monagas on May 5 before recording a vital 1-0 victory over Boca Juniors at the end of last month to move onto seven points.
The Yellow and Reds now have two away games against Monagas and Colo Colo, and they are in a strong position when it comes to progressing to the round of 16.
The Colombian outfit are 20 games into their domestic season, meanwhile, picking up only 25 points, which has left them down in 12th position in the table.
Team News
Monagas have no fresh injury concerns from their 1-1 draw against Colo Colo last time out, which saw Ruben Ramirez get his name on the scoresheet for the Venezuelan side.
As a result, it would not be a surprise to see Ferreira name an unchanged XI for this match, although Leandro Rodriguez is pushing to be involved from the first whistle.
Edanyilber Navas has only managed two goals in all competitions this season, but the 23-year-old is expected to again be given the nod through the middle for the hosts.
Deportivo Pereira, meanwhile, have also not reported any new fitness problems from their 1-0 win over Boca Juniors last time out in the competition.
Arley Rodriguez came off the bench to score the winner in Pereira, and the 30-year-old is now expected to be introduced in the final third of the field, with Danilo Santacruz likely to be the player to drop out.
Angelo Rodriguez has contributed five goals in all competitions this season, and he should therefore continue in an attacking area, while Juan Zuluaga is a goal threat from wing-back, netting four times this term.
Monagas possible starting lineup:
Mosquera; Romero, Ramirez, C Rodriguez, Cummings; Iriarte, Rivas; Martinez, Castillo, Carrion; Navas
Deportivo Pereira possible starting lineup:
Quintana; Quintero, Vasquez, Suarez; Zuluaga, Medina, Velasquez, Fory; Bocanegra, Ar Rodriguez, An Rodriguez
We say: Monagas 0-1 Deportivo Pereira
Deportivo Pereira are in excellent form, winning four of their last five games in all competitions, including a 2-1 success in the reverse game against Monagas. We are expecting Tuesday's affair to be close in terms of the scoreline, but the visitors should have enough quality to secure a huge three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Matt Law
