Atlético Tucumán vs Palmeiras Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Atletico Tucuman have had to fight for their place in the group stage right from the very beginning of their first ever foray into the competition. They were initially involved in a bitter dispute with Independiente, over who should occupy Argentina’s final Libertadores spot before finally being awarded it. Since then they have overcame a dramatic trip to Ecuador, in which they eliminated El Nacional, after having turned up over an hour late for kick off due to a delayed flight. Their win in the second qualification round was the first time their name wasn’t involved in some form of controversy in the tournament, overturning a one goal deficit by beating Colombian outfit Junior, on home turf that has been something of a fortress in recent years.

When the current Argentine season finally does resume, Atletico will find themselves in a modest position of 13th out of 30. Manager Pablo Lavallen has only been in the job since early December, but oversaw two wins and a draw prior to the league going on break. With friendlies, league and Libertadorres taken into account, Tucuman have only lost one game out of nine under his leadership.

Palmeiras enter via a far less controversial route, straight into the group stage, following last season’s fantastic league win. It was their 9th domestic title, and was thoroughly deserved. They were the best side in the league by quite some margin, with a 9 point gap separating themselves and 2nd placed Santos.  They also boasted the league’s best attack, and the joint best defence, helping them win 24 out of the 38 games contested.

Mastermind of the success, Cuca has departed, along with diamond jewel Gabriel Jesus. Their respective replacements do look high quality however, Eduardo Baptista who lead unfancied Ponte Preta to an 8th place finish last season comes in as manager, while prolific Colombian striker Miguel Angel Borja replaces Jesus. Borja was one of those most deadliest strikers on the continent last year, with his goals pivotal in helping old club Atletico Nacional to the Libertadores title. His arrival, along with the likes of Michel Bastos and Felipe Melo, has the team still looking very strong. Palmeiras have been back in domestic action, winning four of their six State League games, mostly against lower league opposition. The only top flight side they have faced has been Corinthians, who they narrowly lost to by a score of 1-0. They were in action over the weekend, defeating RB Brasil 3-1 away.

The game should be a good one. It will be a great atmosphere as Atletico fans pack out the Estadio Monumental José Fierro. It’s not an easy place to go to, the supporters are some of the most hostile in Argentine football and stands are very close to the pitch. On home soil Atletico are very strong, having lost only two competitive outings since November 2014.

Palmeiras are clear favourites for the group, while Tucuman will likely fight it out with Penarol for second spot. Palmeiras undoubtedly possess a more talented squad than Atletico here but they will do well to win the match. Atletico are proving hard to beat under their new boss, and have been almost unbeatable for 2 years now on home soil. We don’t think they will have quite enough to win the game but they should cause the visitors plenty of problems.

Overall we see the match ending as a draw, and believe both sides can find the net. Palmeiras have some fantastic attacking players and have been a prolific side for quite some time. Meanwhile, the fervent crowd should roar their side forward and they should get plenty of opportunities against the visitors, who have been conceding to sides of far lower quality in the state league.