FBC Melgar vs Emelec Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

FBC Melgar made their first Libertadores appearance in over 30 years in last year’s edition, but are going to have to seriously improve if they are to avoid a similar outcome. They lost all 6 games in a group containing Atletico Mineiro, Independiente del Valle and Colo Colo, conceding 12 goals and scoring just 2.  Last year’s domestic runners up medal has at least given them a shot of redemption this year, and they can take some solace in the fact they were at least competitive on home soil in those games, having lost each one by just a single goal.

Melgar come into the game on fantastic form. They are unbeaten in the new season, and putting that together with a strong finish last campaign, El Domino are now unbeaten in 11. They lie 2nd in the table after playing 7 games, 2 points behind leaders Sport Rosario but with a game in hand. With their last action being their 0-0 draw with said leaders on March 5th, they will be fresh ahead of this encounter.

Emelec will also be looking for a great improvement in performance on last year’s effort. While not quite as disastrous, they did also crash out in the groups stage. Six games against UNAM Pumas, Tachira and Olimpia yielded just 4 points. In 2015 El Bombillo reached the quarter finals and a similar outcome this year would mark a decent achievement for last year’s domestic runners up.

There have been a lot of ins and outs over the summer break at Emelec. Midfielder Fernando Gimenez returned home to Paraguay, while key defender Gabriel Achilier and last years top scorer Angel Mena have left for Mexican football.  They don’t seem to be being missed too much, with new faces settling in and strong performance being shown in the opening few games of the league. Have played 6, Emelec remain unbeaten, winning 3 of those games. They were in action last Friday, picking up a 1-0 win away at Fuerza Amarilla.

Melgar and Emelec are both coming into this one off the back of disappointing campaigns on the continental stage last season. Given how poorly they played last season in the competition, Melgar are comfortable favourites to prop up the group, while Emelec should fight for second spot with Independiente Medellin, as River Plate are likely to top it.

The two possess unbeaten streaks and confidence from recent domestic action. As poor as Melgar were last year, we expect them to be competitive against an Emelec side that have lost their last 7 away in the Libertadores. On home soil Melgar will come out and play on the front foot, while Emelec should have plenty of chances on the break and with their extra attacking quality.  Both sides will look to take the 3 points in what looks like a good chance to score early points for each side. We see both sides finding the net, in a 1-1 draw, enough to keep both sides undefeated and alive in the competition.