Anzoategui vs Huracan Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Anzoategui were only founded in 2002 but have already competed on the continental stage 6 times. Three times in the Libertadores and three times in the Sudamericana. This year they will have to settle for the Sudamericana, after finishing 5th in last season’s aggregate table with a record of 17-10-11.  Their record may well sound impressive, but as with most Venezuelan sides, they have struggled on the continental stage. In the Libertadores, their best effort is a group stage exit, while in the Sudamericana they have never gone further than the second round.

Anzoategui have made a steady start on the domestic front, having won 2, drawn 2 and lost just the 1.  What will worry them ahead of the game here, is the fact that they are struggling to put together results at home, having drawn with Carabobo and lost to Zulia. They were in action at the weekend, picking up a point from a 0-0 draw away at Aragua.

Huracan have just the one participation in the Sudamericana, the 2015 edition. It was almost a perfect one, as they narrowly lost the final on penalties to Independiente Santa Fe.  Last season they contested the Libertadores, making it out of the group stage before losing to eventual winners Atletico Nacional.

Huracan will be glad the domestic season is currently on break – it’s been far from a happy one. They are in real danger of being relegated, with their average points the 5th worst in the league. After a series of managerial changes it is now ex-Atletico Tucuman boss Juan Manuel Azconzábal who has the job on his hands, and this will be his competitive bow. It’s been far from a promising start for the new boss, having failed to win a single game in 6 friendlies. That statistic includes a 4-0 defeat to Olimpo and a defeat by second tier Nueva Chicago. Azconzábal will, however, take solace in the fact that they have held two strong sides, in Lanus and Estudiantes, to draws.

It will be a great surprise if either of these sides go very far in the competition. The hosts Anzoategui nearly always fall at the first hurdle, meanwhile Huracan have far bigger problems to worry about back home.  Given the quality of the two sides and the leagues from which they come, you would normally make Huracan clear favourites. However, they are clearly not prioritising this match, having left home several of the squad’s more experienced and talented players.  We believe this, along with home advantage, will even the tie out.

We also like the look of both teams scoring here. As hosts, Anzoategui will come out on the front foot and know they will likely need to take an advantage to the Argentine capital to stand any chance. Huracan, meanwhile, have seen both teams score in 5 of their 6 pre-season. Most of the players left home by the visitors are defensive ones, and there is still more than enough attacking quality present to notch. With young play maker Alejandro Romero Gamarra in the team, chances are likely to come and we think he could be key in Huracan’s contribution to a 1-1 draw.