Deportes Tolima vs Junior F.C Prediction: Can Tolima Keep Themselves Gelled?

In the upcoming fixture of the Colombia Categoria A, Matchday 14, Deportes Tolima will be taking on Junior FC at the Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium in Ibagué. With Deportes Tolima making reasonable efforts to stay active in the race of top 5 table standings, the upcoming matchup is likely to give Tolima the three important win points. According to the table standings of now, Deportes Tolima stands 8th with 4 wins and 18 points, and Junior FC stands 13th with 3 wins and 15 points from 13 matches played. The last time these two sides took on each other was in the Sudamericana qualification final, and Tolima won (1-0). Though Junior FC has won on several instances against Tolima, however, the upcoming matchup is likely to end in the home side’s favor. 

Going in the matchup, Deportes Tolima is coming off a defeat against Envigado (2-1), in which Juan Caicedo scored the only goal for Tolima. Coach Hernan Torres wouldn’t have expected a defeat against Envigado in the last game, but Tolima failed to score the equalizer in the last 30 minutes of play. Secondly, Tolima’s six shots were blocked, which added more pressure on them in the match against Envigado. Deportes Tolima averages 1.50 goals in the last 10 matches when playing at home. Hence, Tolima will be looking forward to strike at least 2 or more goals. Compared to the scoring average, Tolima has been reasonable with the defense, having a conceding average of just 0.90 goals.

• Diego Herazo
• Juan Caicedo
• Carlos Esparragoza

Going in the matchup, Junior F.C is coming off a draw against Chico FC (1-1), in which Luis Gonzalez scored the all-important equalizer in the 75th minute of play. Luis Gonzalez was inducted in the 46th minute of play and he so rightly delivered. Junior could have sealed the deal against Chico; however, Luis Sandoval missed the penalty in the extra time of the second half. With 64% ball possession and 3 saves from Martinez, Junior FC did execute their best play against the top-performing side of the season. When playing away from home, Junior FC averages 0.90 goals per game in the last 10 fixtures. The conceding average is 1.20 goals, which is quite decent compared to the scoring average. 

• Luis Gonzalez
• Vladimir Hernandez
• Jhon Velez

Considering the unbeaten run of Junior FC in the last four matches played, and especially the performance against Chico in the last match, the upcoming matchup wouldn’t be entirely in Tolima’s favor. I am predicting a draw or Junior to win (1-2). Both sides are likely to score in both scenarios, and the match total to be over 2.5 goals. 

• Double Chance - Draw or Junior for 1.80
• Both Teams to Score - Yes for 2.08
• Correct Score 1-1 for 5