CSD Macara vs Guabira Predictions

Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana first round, first leg action sees Ecuadorians Macara doing battle with Bolivians Guabira. The hosts arrive as big favourites to win the match and will be looking to do exactly that.

After making their debut in a continental competition last season, crashing out of the Libertadores at the very first hurdle, Macara will be hoping for a more sustained run on the big stage this season, albeit in the Sudamericana. Qualifying for the competition courtesy of their strong placement in last season’s domestic aggregate table, the hosts are enjoying one of the best spells in their history but will want to make more waves away from the domestic scene, starting in Tuesday’s game.

Typically strong as hosts, Macara will be itching to put themselves into a good position prior to the second leg, which will sure to be a far more sterner test. Having won 7 of their last 12 home games, scoring a big average of 2.08 goals a game in the process, confidence can certainly be high in doing exactly that and fans are expectant of a good performance.

Meanwhile, Guabira also made their return to continental action for the first time in two decades last season, but the outcome wasn’t the one desired, as they lost out at this very stage of the Sudamericana via the away goals rule up against another Ecuadorian opponents in the form of LDU Quito.

Far from a real powerhouse in a Bolivian league which typically struggles internationally, Guabira are not expected to make many waves in the competition and indeed, even in this tie, the visitors arrive as big underdogs. Having lost 11 of their last 14 away games, conceding an average of 2.5 goals a game in the process, confidence cannot be running high in visiting ranks coming into the game.

Ultimately, coming from a stronger domestic game and looking the better of the two on paper, this game, and tie, that Macara have to be expecting to win. Whilst they’re unlikely to go too far in the competition, the draw has been kind to him and if they play at their maximum, they should have more than enough to advance to the next round.

With the high altitude factor also on their side in this home leg, we expect Macara to win fairly comfortably and are more than happy to back a home win in combination with it being to nil. Guabira are likely to bring a very defensive game plan and having failed to score in 50% of their last 14 away games, we can see them being on the end of a 2-0 defeat.