Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Copa Libertadores match.
Palmeiras have made a strong start to the season, suggesting they will quickly secure top position in Série A and a place in the Copa Libertadores knockout round. Cerro Porteño are unlikely to withstand the attacking pressure in São Paulo – the class difference between the two sides appears evident.
Palmeiras
In their away fixture against Sporting Cristal (3:2), Palmeiras maintained intensity until the final whistle, holding onto their lead thanks to goals from Joaquín Piquerez and Richard Ríos. Over the full 90 minutes, the squad recorded 3.48 xG and 20 shots. Despite missing out on the league title, the club retained Abel Ferreira as head coach. He chose to rest key players in the Sunday match against Sport Recife (2:1), indicating that the strongest line-up will likely be fielded at home to celebrate a win with the fans.
Cerro Porteño
Cerro Porteño struggled in their opening Copa Libertadores fixture against Bolívar (2:4), conceding early. The opponents needed just 0.38 xG and five shots on target to score twice – a more clinical attack will not waste such opportunities. On Sunday night, the team suffered a 0:1 defeat to Libertad in the Paraguayan league, allowing 1.69 xGA and facing 12 shots over the 90 minutes.
Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteño Prediction
Two seasons ago in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras defeated Cerro Porteño twice (2:1 and 3:0). There appears to be value in backing the home side’s Individual Total Over – Palmeiras have a versatile attack capable of converting even a limited number of chances.
