Sao Paulo vs LDU Quito Predictions

• Sao Paulo have scored an average of 1.75 goals a game over their last 4 outings but have also conceded an average of a goal a game.
• Sao Paulo are unbeaten in 6 home games, of which they’ve won 4.
• 5 of LDU Qutio’s last 7 Libertadores away games have seen goals at both ends.
• LDU Quito are without a win in 16 Libertadores away games, losing 11 times in the process.

Sao Paulo desperate for 3 points

Expecting to advance from this Libertadores group also containing River Plate, LDU Quito and Binacional, Sao Paulo find themselves in close to a must win position on Thursday. Indeed, anything less would be a big blow to their chances of advancing, given they lost last week’s opening fixture 2-1 away to Binacional.

Tricolor missed some huge chances in said fixture and really should have taken something from the game. They can ill afford to be as wasteful in this clash but unbeaten in 6 home games, of which they’ve won 4, Fernando Diniz’s troops can be confident of getting the job done and will be gunning for 3 points.

LDU looking to cause a shock

Meanwhile, although they are still underdogs in terms of progressing from the group, LDU Quito got off to a dream start last week, hammering a rotated River Plate side 3-0. Nonetheless, the Ecuadorians had the benefit of playing at high altitude in said fixture and now that that’s taken away here in Brazil, it remains to be seen how they’ll stand up.

With 4 wins from 5 games behind them, LDU are in excellent shape and certainly won’t be travelling in low spirits. That being said, the side have a truly awful award record in the Libertadores; failing to win in 16 trips, of which they’ve lost 11 and that does leave their prospects looking questionable as regards securing a result.

Sao Paulo are clear favourites but plenty of action is expected

Ultimately there can be no doubting that Sao Paulo are clear favourites to win Thursday’s game. They are a stronger side than LDU on paper and can ill afford to slip up. However, the visitors are in good shape and will be hopeful of springing an upset to end their miserable away record in the competition.

All things considered, we see good value in backing the Both Teams to Score line and feel it’s the best way to play as far as the betting is concerned. Sao Paulo showed last week they are not the most solid of outfits defensively and although they should win, we fancy LDU to notch in a 2-1 margin of home victory.

Despite their terrible record, both nets have been hit in 5 of LDU;s last 7 Libertadores trips and that’s a theme we envisage continuing in what should be an entertaining clash.