Nacional Potosi vs Sport Huancayo Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Despite being formed in 1942, Nacional Potosi did not feature in the Bolvian top flight until 2009. They were instantly relegated but bounced back and have now solidified themselves as a more permanent fixture in the top division. This year marks the second time in which they have competed on the continental stage, with their last appearance coming in the 2014 Sudamericana. Potosi will be hoping to do better this time around, given they were eliminated at the first hurdle by Libertad back then. A 7th place standing in the overall table last season allows them to take to the field this year.

Potosi have made a decent start to what was, on paper, a difficult opening to the domestic campaign. La Banda Roja notched a 4-1 win at home to Petrolero Yacuiba, as well as a 3-1 away win at Sport Boys, giving them 6 points from the 4 games contested. There was no shame in their valiant 3-2 defeat at The Strongest, but they will perhaps be more concerned about last Thursday’s 2-0 away loss to Blooming.

Sport Huancayo also have a short history at the top level. In fact, they have a short history all together given they were only founded 10 years ago, by a group of investors looking to create a strong team.Within a year they were promoted to the top flight and as of now they have competed in the Libertadores on one occasion and the Sudamericana on 3. Although that sounds impressive, they were knocked out of the Libertadores at the first hurdle in 2012. It gets even worse when you look at their Sudamericana history, in 2010 they entered the second stage but were battered 9-0 over two legs by Defensor Sporting.  They did make it through the first round last year, but were then eliminated by Sol de America.

Huancayo have made a decent start to the domestic season, having only lost 1 game in 5. They sit in 4th place, with two wins, two draws and 1 loss.  They were in action on Sunday, picking up a respectable 2-2 draw away at Alianza Lima.

Nacional will surely fancy themselves on home soil. They have lost just 1 of the last 15 home games, winning 11 of them. Interestingly, they have also scored multiple goals in 12 of those last 15 home games. While Huancayo are used to playing in the high altitude conditions in Potosi, it’s still hard to imagine them picking up a result. They have lost every single away game they have contested on the continent,  as well as 11 of the last 15 domestic trips. It’s very strong home side against poor away travellers and this game really does look to provide good value. While Huancayo haven’t been losing regularly so far this year, they have still been conceding goals. Over the last 5 games they have conceded 9 goals, an average of 1.8 a game.

Potosi are the fresher side, given they have had three days extra rest and haven’t had to make a 12 hour trip. They will be looking to open up a big a lead as possible to take to the return leg. They really should be winning this one given the visitors away struggles.  We are backing the hosts to score multiple goals once again, as they pick up a 3-1 win against a tired visiting side.