LDU Quito vs Defensor Sporting Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

One time Libertadores winner, one time Sudamericana champaion, it’s fair to say LDU have some good pedigree on the big stage. While the side now may not be as strong as that in the late 2000’s, they will still be hoping for a deep run into the competition. Los Albos are back in the Sudamericana this year after a flirt with the Libertadores in the season just gone. In that they crashed out bottom of the group, with 4 points from 6 games.

It’s been a poor start domestically for LDU.  The squad changed a substantial amount over the break and is taking time to settle in. After 4 games, they lie 9th out of 12, with two defeats, a draw and a win. The positive is that the win came at the weekend, in a resounding 4-0 victory over River.  That will surely be a confidence boost for the home side, as they clicked in attack for the first time this season, with new man Hernan Barcos bagging two. Boss Gustavo Munúa has stated he expects more of the same here.

Defensor are back in continental football after a one year absence. Their last showing was a decent one, reaching the quarter finals, before narrowly going out to Argentine side Huracan. It’s worth noting that the run was built on great performances on home soil. In the 4 away games they contested, they scored just 1 goal.

It’s been a fantastic start to the season from Defensor. They’ve won 4 of their first 5 games, drawing the other. The draw was sandwiched in between the wins,  so La Viola are coming here on the back of a two match winning streak. The latter of those wins came last Friday, as they edged out Juventud 2-1 at home.

If results went according to the form back, Defensor would be comfortable winners here. However, that is very unlikely to be the case. One has to understand the massive advantage LDU have by playing in the gruelling high altitude of Quito. It’s an advantage which has seen them win 17 of their last 19 home games in the Sudamericana. The harsh conditions severely limit the physical abilities of visiting players and does not allow them to play their usual game.

With LDU’s confidence somewhat boosted from the win at the weekend, the clear and obvious advantage they have from the altitude, added to the fact that Defensor’s past continental success has been built on home performance, we see only one winner. LDU’s last 8 home wins the Sudamericana have been to nil, and that is what we see happening again here.