CD Antofagasta vs Fluminense Predictions

Thursday’s Copa Sudamericana first round, second leg action sees Chileans Deportivo Antofagasta doing battle with Brazilians Fluminense. All is still to play for after a 0-0 draw in the first leg but the visitors arrive as favourites to advance to the next round.

Antofagasta came into this tie as very big underdogs but after avoiding defeat in the first leg, they’ve given themselves a real chance of causing an upset. Far weaker than Fluminense on paper and possessing far fewer resources, it’d be quite something if the Chileans were to win but even though they’re in a good position in tie, they’ll still have to improve significantly if they are to advance.

Indeed, the hosts are in poor form and aren’t playing well at the moment, which has to be a big concern coming into the match. They’ve not won any of their last 4 matches, losing twice in the process and having scored just twice during said fixtures, it’s not particularly difficult to see where their struggles lie.

Meanwhile, Fluminense have left themselves with significantly more work to do than anticipated, due to their failure to establish an advantage on home soil. Tricolor completely dominated the first leg and applied sustained pressure throughout it but couldn’t find the kind of finishing touch they’ll be looking for on Thursday.

Nonetheless, in strong form, the visitors will still be confident in their ability to get the job done and arrive in positive mood. The side are unbeaten in an impressive 7 matches, of which they’ve won 4 and having also won 4 of their last 5 away games, their prospects certainly look bright coming into the game.

Ultimately, Fluminense deserved to win the first leg and were by far the better team in it and it’s hard to see them slipping up against Antofagasta once again. The hosts will feel they can be more competitive in the game this time around with the crowd behind them but they’re not playing well at the moment and it’s hard to envisage lightning striking twice in this tie.

As such, we’re more than happy to back a Fluminense win and feel that their superior quality will show come full time. Not only have they won 4 of their last 5 away games, but they’ve conceded just 1 goal during them and that kind of defensive solidarity could well put them on the way to a narrow 1-0 margin of victory on Thursday.