Bolivar host Internacional in the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, looking to gain the advantage in their quarterfinal first-leg clash to be played at Estadio Hernando Siles.
The Bolivian side eliminated Athletico Paranaense to advance from the last 16, while the Brazilian side saw off River Plate.
Bolivar have not made it to the Copa Libertadores semi-final since 2014, but they could match their best showing in the continental competition with one more victory.
Nine years have passed for the Sky Blues since they made it into the quarters, and this year represents a gigantic opportunity for the Bolivians.
They already got the better of a Brazilian side — Athletico — in the previous round, even if they needed penalties to triumph after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate.
Benat San Jose’s team claimed three victories on home turn in every group-stage fixture — scoring six and conceding one — and defeated their last 16 opponents 3-1 in front of their fans.
That gives the home side reason for cheerfulness, as they seek the outcome that increases their prospects of making the semis.
As for Internacional, the Brasileiro side have lost once in the competition — the 2-1 defeat by River Plate in the previous round — but they levelled the tie on aggregate before their eventual success on penalties.
They have scored in all four away fixtures in this year’s competition, even if only one victory has been secured in several road matches — a 2-1 win at Metropolitanos.
Eduardo Coudet’s team have struggled for clean sheets on the continent, and a shutout is not expected when they visit a side that tends to find the back of the net on their turf.
Before losing at River, the Brazilian side had gone five Libertadores road games without losing, but that sequence was ended by the Argentine outfit.
Another run of games without blemish could start on Tuesday, but the possibility of that is slim due to the Bolivian side’s strength at home
Patricio Rodriguez netted two in Bolivar’s 3-0 league victory over Libertad Gran Mamore and he should keep his place in the side for Tuesday’s game.
While San Jose is not expected to deviate from his preferred back three, the manager could opt for a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2.
Enner Valencia did not partake in Internacional’s 1-0 home defeat against Fortaleza, but the forward should return for Tuesday’s Libertadores game, replacing Luiz Adriano in the team.
Coudet is anticipated to set up his side in a 4-2-3-1, following the expected pattern for the Brazilian outfit.
Bolivar possible starting lineup:
Lampe; Bejarano, Ferreyra, Quinteros; Sagredo, Justiniano, Saucedo, Uzeda; Vaca, Algranaz, Rodriguez
Internacional possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Bustos, Vitao, Mercado, Rene; Aranguiz, Gabriel; Mauricio, Patrick, Wanderson; Valencia
We say: Bolivar 2-1 Internacional
Bolivar are expected to make it five wins from five when they host Internacional in Bolivia, with the latter’s indifferent run on their travels coming back to bite them in the backside.
