Bolívar vs Flamengo Prediction: If the Brazilians win, they'll take the group lead

Bolívar leads Copa Libertadores Group E with six points and will host Flamengo in La Paz looking to, at least, pick up a point and maintain first place. The Brazilians are just behind on four points and would move to the top if they won. The match could be more complicated than expected for Flamengo, as Tite, the former Brazil coach, will rest some players who didn't even travel to Bolivia.

The Sky Blue began strongly its Copa Libertadores campaign with a 4-0 win over Palestino in Chile. In the following match, another victory, this time 3-2 at home to Millonarios. The Bolivians are in a privileged position to qualify for the next stage. In Bolivia's Primera División, the team from the capital was eliminated in the Apertura quarter-finals by San Antonio Bulo Bulo, the surprise team of the year. The King of Cups can now concentrate on the Copa Libertadores and will be looking to create problems for Flamengo to earn at least a draw.

In a clash between two sides fighting for the Brazilian title, Flamengo got a precious draw away to Palmeiras. The result is morale-boosting for the Rio side, which seems more hungry to win trophies this year. In the Copa Libertadores, the Scarlet-Black drew with Millonarios in Colombia and won the second match at home to Palestino 2-0. With three rounds of the Brasileirão played in one week, Tite has decided to leave some key players at home, such as Pedro, Arrascaeta, Pulgar, Ayrton Lucas, and Léo Pereira, to rest from the intense cycle of matches. The game in La Paz will be played at an altitude of 3640 meters, which will demand a lot physically from the players. It won't be an easy match for the Brazilians.

It's not easy to play in La Paz and, to complicate things for the Brazilians even more, they won't be at full strength. The Bolivians are first in Group E and could take a decisive step forward if they beat Flamengo. Motivated by its excellent start to the season, Tite's team can bring points home, even with its absentees. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Flamengo.