Guarani Asuncion vs Corinthians Predictions

• Guarani have won their last 4 games, scoring an average of 2.25 goals a game and conceding just once in the process.
• Guarani have lost just 1 of their last 14 Libertadores home games, winning 8 times in the process.
• Corinthians lost their last trip to face Guarani back in 2015, going down 2-0 losers.
• Corinthians have won just 1 of their last 11 away games, losing 6 times in the process.

Guarani looking to make home advantage count

Guarani made short work of what looked a difficult tie in their first round Libertadores clash with Bolivians San Jose; winning away at altitude by a 1-0 margin before romping to a 4-0 home success. The Paraguayans are now big underdogs up against a Brazilian powerhouse but if they can secure a positive result on Thursday; they’ll be in with half a chance heading into a tricky return leg.

Guarani come into Thursday’s match in excellent shape and thus, confidence can be high in picking up a good result in front of the home crowd. Indeed, Guarani have won their last 4 matches, scoring an average of 2.25 goals a game and conceding just once in the process and having lost just 1 of their last 14 Libertadores home games, they are typically a strong host in continental competition.

Corinthians away record is a concern

Meanwhile, reaching the group stage is nothing less than an obligation for a side of Corinthians’ stature and with the resources they possess. Indeed, Tiago Nunes’ troops come into this tie as big favourites to win it and whilst they’ll be confident in getting the job done on home soil, their ability on the road does leave them looking vulnerable heading into this trip.

Indeed, Corinthians lost away at Guarani back in 2015 and haven’t impressed on their travels in more recent times either. All in all, they’ve won just 1 of their last 11 away games, losing 6 times in the process and though they’ve won both of their home games so far in 2020, they’ve only mustered a 1-1 draw with minnows Mirassol and a 2-1 defeat at Serie B in their away action.

An upset could be on the cards

Ultimately, whilst Guarani are unlikely to win this tie over two legs and face a mammoth task in Sao Paulo next week, they look to have every chance when treating this first leg as a standalone fixture. As hosts, they are a strong outfit and Corinthians haven’t displayed any sort of ability to secure results on their travels.

All things considered, we like the look of backing Guarani on the Draw No Bet line and feel it provides good value at current odds. Guarani have won 8 of their last 14 Libertadores home games and whilst at worst they shouldn’t lose this one, we fancy them to edge ahead via a 1-0 margin of victory.