Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteno Predictions & Tips - Palmeiras Backed in Sao Paulo
Palmeiras face Cerro Porteno in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last-16 clash, seeking revenge after a rare home defeat to the Paraguayan champions earlier in the group stage. With a strong home record and historical dominance over Cerro, Palmeiras are favored to win this tie with at least a two-goal margin. While Cerro Porteno impressed in the group, their recent form is poor, especially away from home. Key players are missing for Palmeiras, but Cerro arrive with a full squad. The expectation is for Palmeiras to assert home advantage.
- Palmeiras host Cerro Porteno in Copa Libertadores round of sixteen
- Palmeiras to win/over 1.5 goals tipped in Wednesday’s first leg
- Get our Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteno tips for the Copa Libertadores contest
- Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteno Predictions
- Palmeiras Tipped to Win in Sao Paulo
- Palmeiras Dominate H2H Record
- Palmeiras Held by Internacional
- Cerro Porteno Return to Sao Paulo
- Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteno Team News
Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteno Predictions
Palmeiras face familiar foes when they host Cerro Porteno in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Cerro claimed a surprise group phase win when these sides met here in May, but I expect the hosts to get revenge at Nubank Parque.
I have my stake on Palmeiras to win with at least two goals scored.
Palmeiras Tipped to Win in Sao Paulo
- Palmeiras won 6 of their last 8 matches against Cerro Porteno
- Palmeiras won 6 of their last 9 matches
- Cerro Porteno have seen over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 6 defeats against Palmeiras
- Cerro Porteno lost 4 of their last 6 away matches
Palmeiras Dominate H2H Record
Palmeiras and Cerro Porteno have met on ten occasions since 2018. Palmeiras won seven games, while Cerro claimed two victories.
Cerro claimed a shock 1-0 win in Brazil in their most recent encounter in the group phase of this season's Copa Libertadores.
Palmeiras Held by Internacional
Palmeiras return to Copa Libertadores action after a frustrating goalless draw against Internacional in the Brasileirao Betano.
Despite registering 22 attempts, the Verdao lacked a cutting edge in the final third, with only two shots hitting the target.
Abel Ferreira’s side have been in mixed form since their return to competitive action in July, picking up three wins and two defeats from six fixtures. All but one of those games finished with at least three goals scored.
The Brazilians secured their place in the round of 16 after finishing second behind Cerro Porteno in Group F. A commanding 4-1 victory against Junior on the final matchday confirmed their progress to the knockout stage.
Abel Ferreira’s side collected 11 points from six matches, winning three and losing only one of six group fixtures. Their only defeat came against Wednesday’s opponents at Allianz Parque.
Despite that surprise defeat in May, Ferreira’s men remain formidable at home in continental competition. Palmeiras won seven of their last ten home Copa Libertadores matches, scoring 24 goals while conceding only six.
The three-time South American champions also won their previous three Libertadores knockout ties against Cerro, eliminating the Paraguayans in 1999, 2018 and 2022.
Cerro Porteno Return to Sao Paulo
Cerro Porteno make the trip to Brazil after a poor run of form since their return to competitive action last month. The Paraguayan champions lost three of four domestic fixtures, including a 1-0 defeat to Sportivo Ameliano last weekend.
El Ciclon have now lost four of their last six away games since May, but did secure that shock road win against Palmeiras during that sequence.
A strong Group F campaign saw Cerro finish top of the section. Ariel Holan’s side won four of their six matches, losing just once.
Cerro collected four points from their two games against Palmeiras, including their famous 1-0 win at this venue.
Despite those positive results, Porteno should be expected to be on the back foot this week. Palmeiras enjoyed 74% possession in May’s Group F contest.
Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteno Team News
Palmeiras: (3-4-2-1) Carlos Miguel; Emiliano Martinez, Murilo Cerqueira, Alexander Barboza; Allan Elias, Andreas Pereira, Marlon Freitas, Joaquin Piquerez; Mauricio Magalhaes, Jhon Arias; Ramon Sosa.
Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has five confirmed absentees ahead of Wednesday’s contest.
Gustavo Gomez, Khellven and Paulinho are sidelined with thigh injuries, while Bruno Fuchs is recovering from appendicitis and Jefte remains unavailable with a meniscus problem.
Argentine forward Jose Manuel Lopez is expected to lead the hosts’ attack. The 25-year-old has scored two goals in his last three appearances.
Cerro Porteno: (4-2-3-1) Manuel Roffo; Ivan Ramirez, Gustavo Velazquez, Matias Perez, Alexis Canete; Robert Piris da Motta, Jorge Morel; Fabricio Dominguez, Mateo Klimowicz, Cecilio Dominguez; Pablo Vegetti.
Head coach Holan has no reported injury issues ahead of the trip to Brazil.
Former Vasco da Gama forward Pablo Vegetti is expected to lead the Cerro attack.
Verdict
Cerro Porteno have struggled since their return to competitive action, and a tough night is expected at Nubank Parque.
Palmeiras should dominate Wednesday’s contest, and I expect the hosts to secure a first-leg advantage.
I have my stake on Palmeiras to win with over one goal scored.
Palmeiras should dominate Wednesday’s contest, and I expect the hosts to secure a first-leg advantage.
I have my stake on Palmeiras to win with over one goal scored.
Palmeiras/Over 1.5
Result/Total Goals
@11/18 - 3 Units
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