San Lorenzo vs. Sao Paulo (Thursday, 11.00pm)
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San Lorenzo and Sao Paulo resume their Copa Sudamericana campaign on Thursday evening when they play the first leg of their last-16 tie.
While the visitors' performance in the group phase earned them a spot at this stage, San Lorenzo were required to come through a playoff encounter to extend their stay in the 2023 competition.
We say: San Lorenzo 0-1 Sao Paulo
With Sao Paulo not conceding in six group games and San Lorenzo keeping two shutouts in the playoff round, goals may not be a regular occurrence in this tie. Nevertheless, we are backing the visitors to edge a tight game, giving them an advantage ahead of the reverse fixture.
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Nublense vs. LDU Quito (Friday, 1.00am)
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The Copa Sudamericana round of 16 will get underway this week, and on Friday morning, we will see Nublense play host to LDU Quito in the first-leg encounter at Estadio Municipal Ester Roa Rebolledo.
The hosts come into the match off the back of a 2-1 win over O'Higgins, while the visitors have had over a month off, and they will now lock horns over two legs for a place in the quarter-final against either San Lorenzo or Sao Paulo.
We say: Nublense 1-1 LDU Quito
While the visitors come into the match with a better record in the first half of the season, they have conceded at least one goal in each of their last four away matches and may find it difficult to keep a clean sheet in this one as well.
The hosts have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, unbeaten in their last five, and cannot be counted out of the contest just yet. Our feeling is that these sides will cancel each other out by the final whistle.
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America Mineiro vs. Bragantino (Friday, 1.00am)
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America Mineiro welcome Bragantino to Belo Horizonte for their Copa Sudamericana last 16 first leg on Thursday night.
In an all-Brazil clash, the hosts will hope to perform much better than they have done domestically, where they are currently embroiled in a relegation battle.
We say: America Mineiro 0-2 Bragantino
America's recent form is a big worry despite their thrashing of Colo Colo in the last round.
Mancini will hope that bringing in some of their fringe players could pay off again, but if Bragantino are on their game, they should take a first leg lead back to Sao Paulo.
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Barney Corkhill
