Alianza Lima lock horns with Fortaleza at the Estadio Nacional de Lima in the penultimate group stage fixture of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday.
The hosts are without a win in the competition thus far and their odds of securing a place in the knockout stage do not look good. They have just one point from four games and might be able to secure a third-placed finish to head into the Copa Sudamericana group stage.
Fortaleza have four points, as they have just one win so far. They have a slim chance of making it into the next round of fixtures and will have to secure wins in their remaining two group stage fixtures.
Alianza held Colo Colo to a 1-1 draw last time around as they earned their first point of the season and will be looking to build upon the same here. Fortaleza also played out a 1-1 draw in their previous outing against River Plate and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games.
Alianza Lima vs Fortaleza Head-to-Head
This will be the second meeting between the two sides across all competitions. The reverse fixture in Brazil in April ended in a 2-1 win for the then-hosts.
Alianza Lima form guide (all competitions): W-W-D-W-L
Fortaleza form guide (all competitions): L-W-D-D-L
Alianza Lima vs Fortaleza Team News
Alianza Lima
Jefferson Farfan is a key absentee for the home side and was ruled out ahead of the group stage fixture due to a knee injury in March. Carlos Montoya's involvement in the game remains doubtful.
Injuries: Jefferson Farfan
Doubtful: Carlos Montoya
Suspension: None
Fortaleza
Max Walef has recovered from a bout of conjunctivitis but will not travel to Lima with the squad. Renato Kayzer's involvement here remains doubtful while striker Silvio Romero will serve a one-game suspension following his red card against River Plate last time around.
Injury: Max Walef
Doubtful: Renato Kayzer
Suspension: Silvio Romero
Alianza Lima vs Fortaleza Predicted XIs
Alianza Lima (4-3-3): Angelo Campos (GK); Yordi Vílchez, Christian Ramos, Pablo Míguez, Renato Rojas; Pablo Lavandeira, Josepmir Ballón, Jairo Concha; Edgar Benítez, Wilmer Aguirre, Hernán Barcos.
Fortaleza (3-5-2): Marcelo Boeck (GK); Tinga, Marcelo Benevenuto, Titi; Yago Pikachu, Felipe, Hercules, Lucas Lima, Lucas Crispim; Moses, Romarinho
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Alianza Lima vs Fortaleza Prediction
Alianza Lima are currently on a run of 27 games without a win in the Copa Libertadores, so they might struggle here. They have scored just three goals in the competition while conceding six times but might be hopeful of a positive result at home.
The visitors have also boasted similar stats in the competition thus far, with four goals scored and six conceded. We expect the game to be a low-scoring affair and, taking into consideration the form of the two sides, a draw could ensue here.
Prediction: Alianza Lima 1-1 Fortaleza