Jorge Wilstermann vs Penarol Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Bolivian side Jorge Wilstermann make their first Libertadores appearance since 2011, following last season’s domestic Clausura triumph. Wilstermann did compete in the Sudamericana last year, but went out in the first round on penalties to Sol de America of Paraguay. The side have very little pedigree on the continental stage, and in recent years have been eliminated twice from the Sudamericana at the first hurdle, and once from the Libertadores in the group stage.

Pressure is already building on new boss Roberto Mosquera, as his side have made a weak start to their title defence. With 6 games played, Wilstermann have just 7 points and are already 9 points adrift of leaders Guabira. El Rojo were in action over the weekend, stuttering to a 1-1 home draw with Universitario.

Keen followers of South American football need no introduction to Penarol. Only two sides in the whole continent can boast more than Los Aurinegros’ five Libertadores titles. That figure could be even higher – Penarol have finished runners up a record five times. The last of those heartbreaks came in 2011, as they reached the final before going to down to a Neymar inspired Santos side. Penarol take to the field here courtesy of yet another league title, dating back to the the 15-16 season which ended last June.

While the early part of 2016 might have been memorable for all the right reasons, fans of Penarol will quickly want to forgot the transition stage played up until last December. They finished a shocking 14th out of 16, taking only 15 points from 15 games.  New boss Leonardo Ramos looks to have steadied the ship and the team’s recent performances are much improved. They’ve played four league game in the new season and have won two of them 4-0, whilst drawing the other two games 0-0.

The match is an important one for both sides. They find themselves sharing a tricky looking group also containing Brazilian champions Palmeiras and Argentine outfit Atletico Tucuman. Wilstermann are the rank outsiders for qualification, while Penarol will probably fight it out with Tucuman for second spot.

This is Penarol’s best shot at putting visiting points on the board. They are unlikely to take anything at Palmeiras and Atletico Tucuman have a very strong home record. We think they have a real chance of winning the game here, irrespective of the high altitude present. Wilstermann have been awful in recent years on the continental stage, home and away defeats to Penarol included. They’ve also made a stuttering start on the domestic front and pressure is really building on the side. Penarol have more experience on the bigger stage, and are yet to even concede a goal in what has been a good start to the year. We think they can achieve another shut out in a 1-0 win, but like the cover of Draw No Bet in case of the spoils being shared.