Colo Colo vs Bolivar Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores action sees Chileans Colo Colo playing host to Bolivar in a crunch Group 2 clash.

Colo Colo only took 1 point from their opening 3 group games, coming from a draw at Bolivar themselves, but having won last time out in continental action, away at Delfin, Los Albos have pulled themselves back into the reckoning. A win here would be crucial and would allow Hector Tapia’s men to leapfrog their opponents and potentially end the night in a qualification spot, with just one match left to contest after this one.

Tapia has certainly improved affairs at the club since returning for a second spell after Pablo Guede was axed and now has the side 6 matches unbeaten, 4 of which coming from victories. There is huge pressure on the hosts for Wednesday’s clash, with fans desperate to see their side advance from the group stage for the first time since 2007, and those that take to the field will be roared on by a home crowd that has also seen their team claim victory in 4 of their last 6 outings at the Estadio Monumental.

Meanwhile, visitors Bolivar would be all but through had they taken full advantage of their earlier match at altitude against the Chileans, but now arrive desperate for a result in Santiago; something that looks a big ask.

Vinícius Eutrópio’s troops at least arrive buoyed after seeing off Nacional Potosi in the quarter finals of the domestic play-offs, but recent showings on the road simply have to be a huge concern for the away side, as does a miserable record on the road in the Libertadores. Bolivar have now lost 3 of their last 5 away games, conceding a big average of 2.6 goals a game and having also failed to win in 8 Libertadores away games, confidence cannot be too high coming into the clash.

Ultimately, though they haven’t turned up to big continental occasions in recent years, you can’t imagine Colo Colo slipping up against a Bolivar side that really struggles away from home, both historically in the competition, and more recently across their last games on enemy territory.

Bolivar have already lost 4-1 to Atletico Nacional and simply aren’t the same force when their altitude advantage is taken away. Colo Colo are in good shape and should be able to win this match at a canter.

Best value looks to be found on backing the hosts on the -1 handicap. We envisage them coming flying out of the traps given what’s at stake and though finishing the job off in Medellin next week represents an entirely different kettle of fish, they should travel to Colombia with at least a fighting chance, with a 4-1 margin of victory looking on the cards.

Colo Colo possible starting XI: Orión; Campos, Zaldivia, Insaurralde, Opazo; Cortés, Baeza, Valdés, Valdivia; Rivero, Paredes.

Bolivar possible starting XI: Quiñónez; Rodríguez, Raldes, Pedraza, Flores; Morales, Saavedra, Justiniano, Arce; Callejón, Riquelme.