Universitario vs Botafogo prediction and betting tips on May 17, 2024
Game Prediction
In the 5th round of the Copa Libertadores group stage on May 17, 2024, Universitario will face Botafogo. This group is highly competitive, with the hosts sitting in third place, just one point behind the joint leaders, including the Brazilian side, and narrowly ahead of LDU Quito.
Key statistics and trends:
- Universitario has earned 4 out of their 5 points in the tournament at home.
- Botafogo has won their last two matches, but had no points before that.
- Botafogo has scored at least once in their last 9 matches.
- Universitario wins the first half in 39% of their matches, while Botafogo does so in 36%.
Universitario - Form analysis: Home advantage remains a strong point
"Los Merengues" managed to end a decade-long wait and finally won the championship title last season. This year marks the club's centenary, and the ambitions are high. While they have good chances to defend their title in Peru, their Copa Libertadores campaign has been challenging. After an opening home victory over LDU Quito, they only added 2 points from draws against Atlético Junior.
Botafogo - Form analysis: Constantly fighting to stay in the competition
The "Lone Star" led the Brazilian league for a long time last season but ended up in fifth place. Therefore, they had to start the Copa Libertadores from the qualification rounds, where they defeated Aurora and Red Bull Bragantino. This was before Arthur Jorge, who was lured from Braga in April, took charge. He started working when his new team had already lost both their initial group stage matches to Atlético Junior, both home and away. However, the coach turned things around by winning against both Universitario and LDU Quito. These victories were at home, though, so it remains to be seen how they perform away. Nevertheless, they have been doing well overall in the national Serie A.
Universitario: Team news
The Ecuadorians will field their best squad.
Botafogo: Team news
No reported issues with the lineup.
Possible starting lineups for Universitario vs Botafogo:
Universitario (possible lineup): Britos - Saravia, Riveros, Corso - Portocarrero, Ureña, Murrugarra, Perez, Polo - Valera, Flores
Botafogo (possible lineup): John - Hugo, Bastos, Alter, Suarez - Junior Santos, Gregore, Freitas, Luis Henrique - Soares, Savarino
Previous matches
Before this Copa Libertadores campaign, the teams had not faced each other.
Free prediction for the Universitario vs Botafogo match on May 17:
The Ecuadorians are strong at home, but the Brazilians have gained momentum. A sensible bet would be on "both teams to score" (odds - 1.833).