Estudiantes, battling to secure a top-two finish in Group A, will host already-eliminated Carabobo in the final matchday of the Copa Libertadores group stage on Wednesday.
The hosts are second in the standings with nine points, a point below first-placed Universidad de Chile and above third-placed Botafogo on goal difference, while the visitors are bottom of the group with only one point from five fixtures.
Match preview
© Imago
Estudiantes, heading into the final matchday of group stage fixtures in the Copa Libertadores, could still finish first, second or third in Group A, with just a point separating the three teams.
Eduardo Dominguez's side are second in the standings with nine points after five games, from three wins and two defeats, leaving them a point behind first-placed Universidad de Chile and only above third-placed Botafogo on goal difference.
With Universidad de Chile and Botafogo coming head-to-head on the final day, Estudiantes must avoid defeat to ensure their top-two finish, and they will be extremely confident given their visitors' struggles.
However, Estudiantes are experiencing a difficult period in recent weeks, recording eight losses, three draws and only three wins in their last 14 outings across all competitions, though they are in superb form in this competition, with three wins and two draws.
The hosts are also strong favourites heading into the clash against Carabobo, as the visitors are already ensured to be eliminated from the competition, having picked up only one point from five fixtures.
Carabobo have drawn one and lost four of their five Group A matches, including scoring two and conceding 11, leaving them eight points behind third-placed Botafogo with one game left to play.
That form has been largely carried across all competitions in recent outings, as Diego Merino Rivera's side are heading into this one without a win in any of their last five clashes.
Carabobo were dominated by Estudiantes in the reverse fixture at the beginning of April, with the Lion holding 64% possession and taking 14 shots to Carabobo's six, marching to a commanding 2-0 victory.
Team News
The hosts are expected to be without Guido Carrillo for this match due to a calf injury that the forward sustained in Estudiantes' 2-0 defeat to Rosario Central earlier this month.
Cristian Medina is also a doubt after the midfielder was taken off with an injury issue in that defeat, meaning Facundo Farias could earn his first start in this competition.
Tiago Palacios and Santiago Ascacibar have scored five goals between them in this competition, and the two will aim to make the difference once again Carrillo's absence on Wednesday.
As for the visitors, Loureins Martinez is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in January, while the remainder of the squad should be available for selection.
Edson Tortolero is Carabobo's joint-top scorer in this competition, and after also scoring in their latest outing, the forward is likely to start alongside Flabian Londono and Joshuan Berrios in attack.
Estudiantes possible starting lineup:
Mansilla; Meza, Boselli, Nunez, Rodriguez, Arzamendia; Palacios, Ascacibar, Neves, Farias; Alario
Carabobo possible starting lineup:
Bruera; Guaramato, Aponte, Rodriguez, Pernia; Gonzalez, Nunez, Perez; Berrios, Londono, Tortolero
We say: Estudiantes 3-0 Carabobo
The hosts are undoubtedly the superior side, as shown in their dominance in the first encounter, and we expect Estudiantes to secure another commanding victory over Carabobo on Wednesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
