Emelec vs Cruzeiro Predictions

Thursday’s Copa Libertadores group stage action features a clash between Ecuadorians Emelec and Brazilians Cruzeiro. The visitors are expected to have too much quality for the hosts.

After drawing both of their group games 0-0 so far, against Deportivo Lara and Huracan respectively, Emelec now face an uphill battle if they are to make it into the last 16 and could really do with a win on Thursday. Nonetheless, they’ve now lost 5 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores outings, of which they’ve won none and as such, they can hardly be considered a force on the continental stage, which leaves their prospects looking bleak coming into the game.

The side are even struggling domestically this year, where they are typically far more dominant and there’s not a good feeling around the club right now. Indeed, just 10 points from 7 games leaves the side 10th in the domestic standings and hardly has them looking ready for a match against such a strong opponent.

Cruzeiro are certainly exactly that and take to the pitch in a far healthier position as far as the Libertadores is concerned, having won both of their group openers, away at Huracan and at home to Lara respectively. Sitting on 6 points, another win here in Ecuador would have the side all but into the last 16 and as such, they arrive highly motivated to secure one.

It’s not just the Libertadores Cruzeiro have been impressing in either. They’re yet to lose in 2019 and have won 11 of the 15 games they’ve contested this year, meaning they look set for a strong campaign across all fronts. Wins in 7 consecutive games mean the visitors have huge momentum behind them prior to arrival in Ecuador and they’ll be hungry to keep their good form going.

Ultimately, there can be absolutely no doubting who the favourites are here and that’s the visitors. Emelec have been struggling against far weaker sides than Cruzeiro in recent months, haven’t looked a force in the Libertadores in recent years and simply don’t look strong enough on paper to properly challenge the visitors

As such, we’re more than happy to back an away win and at current prices, it looks to provide excellent value. Cruzeiro have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 matches and we anticipate them keeping another one on Thursday in a comfortable 2-0 margin of victory..