Estudiantes Merida vs Fortaleza EC Prediction: Estudiantes Merida Struggling Through the Worst Nightmare

In the upcoming fixture of Copa Sudamericana, Matchday 5, Estudiantes Merida will be up against Fortaleza at the Metropolitan of Mérida in Venezuela. The last time these two sides played a month back, Fortaleza won 6-1 at home. With both sides participating in their respective local leagues, the upcoming matchup is likely to be an opportunity for Fortaleza to consolidate at the top of the points table. According to the points table standings of today, Estudiantes Merida stands 1st with 4 in 4 wins and 12 points, whereas Estudiantes Merida is yet to win a match in the international setting. Continue reading to find out more about the upcoming matchup. 

Estudiantes Merida - Coming off a Thrashing Defeat Against Palestino (LLWWL)

With Estudiantes Merida coming off a thrashing defeat against Palestino (1-5), the upcoming matchup will add more pressure on the home side. In the last outing against Palestino, Luis Arenas scored the only goal for his team. Estudiantes Merida is having a worst nightmare in the current Sudamericana setting and will be desperate to register a win in front of its home crowd. Talking about the defense, Estudiantes has conceded 16 goals, averaging 3.20 goals per game. On the other hand, Estudiantes Merida has scored 8 goals, averaging 1.60 goals per game. Despite playing at home, Estudiantes will be under realistic pressure, as it has lost four of the last five home matches. 

Expected Opening Lineup for Estudiantes Merida

Beycker Velásquez; Omar Labrador, Alexis Doldán, Anthony Matos; Luis Arenas, Christian Flores, Nestor Canelon, Marcel Guaramato; Jorge Paez; Junior Paredes, Ervin Zorrilla.

Fortaleza - Having a Perfect Sudamericana Season (DWWWL)

After losing to America MG (2-1) in Serie A, Fortaleza has emerged as the most competitive unit in the ongoing season. With 3 wins, a draw, and a defeat in the last five matches played across all competitions, Fortaleza possesses decent match form and consistency compared to Estudiantes. Moreover, Fortaleza’s unbeaten run in the Sudamericana group stage continues. About the scoring, Fortaleza has scored 7 goals and conceded only 4 in the last five matches played. However, the upcoming away challenge might get tricky, as Fortaleza has played in the last four matches at home. In the match against San Lorenzo, Fortaleza got lucky and managed to extend its unbeaten run. With the likes of Silvio Romero and Yago Pikachu in the lineup, Fortaleza will certainly be starting as favorite. 

Expected Opening Lineup for Fortaleza

Joao Ricardo; Tinga, Titi, Emanuel Britez, Bruno Pachecho; Tomás Pochettino, Caio Alexandre, Hercules, Calebe; Yago Pikachu, Romarinho.

Expert Betting Tips

The difference between the two competing teams is quite clear. Estudiantes Merida has struggled its way in the Sudamericana and local league, and on the other hand, Fortaleza is dominating with consistent performances. Fortaleza will keep attacking the hosts in pursuit of scoring two or more goals. The match total is expected to be over 2.5 goals, and both sides to score, as Estudiantes Merida has scored positively in 4 of its last 5 matches. Moreover, Silvio Romero will be in the spotlight for scoring at least a goal. 

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.93
• Total Over 2.5 for 1.52
• Correct Score 1-3 for 10.00