Godoy Cruz vs Atletico Mineiro Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Godoy Cruz make their return to the competition for the first time since 2012. They will be hoping to perform better than on that occasion, given that they were eliminated in the group stage.  A second placed finish in Zone 1 of the transitional tournament contested until May of last year allows them to take to the field for this game.

A lot has changed since that high finish. In the summer following, a number of first team players departed, including key midfielder Fernando Zuqui. Sebastian Mendez struggled to get the team to perform with the same fluency going forward after Zuqui’s departure and the side currently lie a lowly 20th out of 30 at the midway point of the Argentine season. Mendez has since departed, along with talisman Jaime Ayovi.

Entrusted with getting a misfiring squad going again is Lucas Bernardi. He looks to have recruited well,  bringing in good defensive reinforcement along with some creativity in midfield in the form of Walter Serrano and ex-West Ham man Diego Poyet. El Tombo have still not resumed league duties due to ongoing disputes in Argentina, but pre-season friendlies have been promising with the team remaining unbeaten in 6, winning 4.

Their opposition tonight are 2013 Libertadores winners, Atletico Mineiro. Atletico had a fairly deep run in the competition last year, reaching the quarter finals before being eliminated on away goals by compatriots Sao Paulo. They eliminated Argentine opposition in the form of Racing prior to their exit, so they should be quite confident in taking something from this trip.

Over the winter break star striker Lucas Pratto moved on to pastures new, joining Sao Paulo in a move than angered Atletico fans. The team certainly doesn’t seem to be missing him however, having made a perfect start to State League action, winning 6 out of 6 and scoring a mammoth 16 goals. Out of the State League they’ve lost to Cruzeiro, defeated Joinville and drew with Chapecoense. Despite Pratto’s loss there is still an abundance of attacking talent, including the likes of ex Real Madrid man Robinho and veteran striker Fred.

The game here should be an entertaining one.  Atletico are the undoubted favourites to top the group, while Godoy Cruz will probably fight it out with Libertad for second place, with Sport Boys unlikely to trouble anyone. On home soil with the backing of fervent support, Godoy Cruz should look to play with a positive style and aim for the three points. They’ve looked sharp in pre-season and aren’t finding goal scoring a problem. Mineiro have been conceding to sides with less attacking quality than Godoy Cruz have lately. They’ve now failed to keep a clean sheet in the last 4 games, conceding 6 goals in the process.

It won’t be easy, but Mineiro should still have just about too much quality for the hosts. Irrespective of recent defensive woes, they still have one of the most potent attacks on the continent. Their quality in the final third should create plenty of chances and you’d put your money on Fred tucking some of them home. The price on both teams scoring seems too good to turn down, and we are backing that along with a 2-1 win for the visitors.