Boca Juniors vs Deportes Tolima Predictions

Tuesday’s Copa Libertadores group stage action features an interesting looking clash between Argentines Boca Juniors and Colombians Deportes Tolima. The hosts arrive as big favourites to win the match but plenty of action is expected at both ends.

After losing to arch rivals River Plate in the final of the Libertadores last season, Boca are hungry to challenge for the title once again in the coming year. El Xeneize got off to a solid, if unspectacular start in the competition last week, drawing away at high altitude to Jorge Wilstermann, but Tuesday’s match is one they’ll fully be expecting to wn.

Boca boss Gustavo Alfaro has done a decent enough job since taking over at the start of 2019, keeping the side in the domestic Libertadores qualification slots. With continental football very important to Boca fans, pressure could mount on him if his men fail to get the job done on Tuesday however, but having won 6 of their last 8 home games, Boca certainly look well placed to secure victory.

Meanwhile, Deportes Tolima got off to a fantastic start to the Libertadores last week, beating Athletico PR 1-0 on home soil. Said result means any kind of result in La Bombonera would put the Colombians in a fantastic position and those taking to the pitch will be desperate to secure one, despite being considerable underdogs.

Tolima arrive in decent enough form, currently unbeaten in 4 matches and they’ll be confident in at least giving Boca a run for their money. With plenty of pace in their team, the visitors have the ability to threaten the Argentines on the counter and whilst defensively they’ll be tested significantly, having notched in all but one of their last 19 away games, they also have the tools to harm the hosts.

Ultimately, we’re expecting a pretty exciting game here with lots of chances at either end. It’s more than apparent Boca are huge favourites to win the game with the quality they have, but Tolima are a competitive outfit and cannot be taken too lightly by the hosts.

Whilst we do think Boca will win the match, best value as far as the betting goes is via backing over 2.5 goals to be scored. Boca are an extremely potent outfit on home sol and their last 3 home games have cleared the 2.5 goal line. 8 of Tolima’s last 9 away games have also featured over 2.5 goals, and we envisage both streaks being extended via a 3-1 home win.