Estudiantes L.P. vs Bragantino Prediction: The clash between the Argentine and Brazilian clubs is one of the derbies of the round of the Copa Sudamericana

In the match for the supremacy of Group C of the Copa Sudamericana, Red Bull Bragantino and Argentine Estudiantes meet tonight (03.00) at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi. Both teams recorded convincing victories in the previous three matches of the group stage, except when they played against each other and are currently have 10 points each. Part of this group also includes Oriente Petrolero from Bolivia and Paraguayan Tacuary. First matches showed that there is a huge difference in playing quality between RB Bragantino and Estudiantes on the one hand and Oriente Petrolero and Tacuary on the other. There is no doubt that both the Brazilian and Argentinian clubs will remain in the fight for the title, however, the fight for first place is not only symbolic and for the sake of prestige. As of this season, the first-placed team goes directly to the round of 16, thus avoiding a clash with some of the third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores.

Form: WDWWD

Estudiantes L.P. have one of the best defenses in this competition. In the previous 4 matches, they scored 9 goals and didn’t concede any. Currently, they are 2nd on the table with 10 points, but worst goals difference than Bragantino. They are unbeaten in the last 9 matches in this stadium and they are looking very confident and secure in front of their fans. Estudiantes played only one match on home ground in Copa Sudamericana and won confidently against Tacuray.

Form: LWWWD

The general impression is that Bragantino were superior in the group stage so far. They welcome this match in first place, with ten points won, 13 goals scored and only 1 conceded. In both away matches they played in this competition they won and scored 4 goals. It’s unlikely to happen in this match against Estudiantes, but Bragantino won’t give up 1st place so easily. They had a tough match in the domestic competition which they lost against Fluminense, and it can ruin the momentum of the club before this match.

This is a direct duel in the battle for the top of the table of this group. Both teams are extremely strong on the defensive end, conceding 1 goal combined in the first 4 rounds, so I expect a tough game here, with a careful approach from both sides, so I go with this bet under 2.5 goals. Estudiantes might have small advantage because of the home ground, but in a match between such a superior teams it doesn’t really have influence.