Corinthians vs Boca Juniors Predictions

• Both teams have not scored in six of Corinthians’ last seven matches in all competitions.
• Both teams have not scored in Boca Juniors’ last 12 away Copa Libertadores games.
• Both teams have not scored in nine of Boca Juniors’ last 11 matches in all competitions.

First goal the key to tense first leg

Scoring the first goal looks like being the key to deciding Tuesday’s Copa Libertadores last-16 clash between Corinthians and Boca Juniors. Neither team have been involved in many high-scoring contests this season and, with so much on the line in this first leg, we wouldn’t expect the shackles to come off at Neo Química Arena.

This matchup is a repeat of a Group E game from earlier in the competition, which Corinthians won 2-0 courtesy of two goals from midfielder Maycon. But there wasn’t much between the sides on the night with Boca recording more shots on target, corners and passes – while finishing with a higher pass accuracy rate and an almost 60% share of possession.

Maycon is one of a few injury doubts for Vitor Pereira, whose side have lost just once in their last 17 games in all competitions. Timão have won three of their last five, all of which came at their home stronghold.

Battaglia’s Boca performing better of late

This will be a testing game for the Argentine visitors, but they seem to be in better shape now than they were when they last visited Sao Paulo in mid-May. Following that, Sebastian Battaglia’s side went on a ten-game unbeaten run. And although they lost at home to Union in the league last weekend, it was with a team of reserves as the coach rested key players for this crucial first leg.

A strong display from the visitors, with an expected focus on preserving a clean sheet can go a long way to ensuring this tie is still in the balance for the return in Buenos Aires, so our attention is drawn to the goal markets. Backing both teams to score would seem optimistic given it hasn’t landed in six of Corinthians’ last seven matches in all competitions or nine of Boca Juniors’ last 11 contests either.

In fact, both teams have not scored in Boca Juniors’ last 12 away Copa Libertadores games – dating back a few years now – so that looks like a solid play here at around 8/13 generally. The hosts have a solid defence at home and can sneak a 1-0 win here as we also note that Boca have lost to nil on each of their last three visits to Brazil in this tournament.

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