Preview: Athletico Paranaense vs. Club Libertad - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at opposite ends of the Copa Libertadores Group B table will meet on Wednesday when Athletico Paranaense welcome Club Libertad to the Arena da Baixada.

The visitors are currently sat top with two games to go, but a victory from the hosts would draw them level on points, with very little separating all four teams.

Match preview

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Athletico Paranaense have had mixed results so far in the Copa Libertadores, having earned one victory, a draw, and two defeats across their first four matches.

A big part of the problem for Luiz Felipe Scolari is the fact his team have only scored a single goal during all those games, which is why they have struggled to gain results.

Defensively, no team in Group B has conceded more either (six), and that balance is something the squad has to try and level out in the final two fixtures.

Athletico Paranaense head into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A against Fluminense, where Matheus Felipe's 91st-minute goal proved to be a consolation.

They will also be wanting to respond to their previous Copa Libertadores performance, which saw them beaten 5-0 by The Strongest, a result that heavily damaged their goal difference.

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On the other hand, the visitors have been a lot stronger within this competition, which is why they are currently sat at the top of Group B looking to qualify for the next round.

Club Libertad have only been beaten once so far in the tournament, but that defeat did come during their last outing against Caracas, with Samson Akinyoola scoring the only goal of the game.

Daniel Garnero has seen an immediate response from his men in other competitions, as they have won their previous three matches in impressive style.

Since that defeat, they have scored seven times, and only conceded once, bringing them into this particular game with plenty of confidence and momentum.

Cristian Riveros was able to get on the scoresheet to give Club Libertad a 1-0 win when these teams met earlier in the season, and repeating that result could guarantee they win the group.

Team News

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Lucas Fasson has been dealing with an injury problem throughout recent weeks for Athletico Paranaense, and that is something that could continue to rule him out in midweek.

Nicolas Hernandez and Thiago Heleno were also unavailable at the weekend because of fitness issues, which will stretch Scolari's team even further for this cup game.

After scoring a brace in their last outing Roque Santa Cruz will be sure to start upfront for the visitors as he looks to continue his fine form in front of goal.

Hugo Martinez is the only injury concern for Club Libertad at the moment, as a muscle problem has been keeping him out of action for several months.

Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:

Bento; Khellven, Felipe, Henrique, Abner; Fernandes, Moura, Erick; Vitinho, Canobbio, Pablo

Club Libertad possible starting lineup:

Silva; Piris, Bocanegra, Viera, Acosta; Mendieta, Diaz, Caballero Benitez, Villalba; Merlini, Santa Cruz

We say: Athletico Paranaense 0-2 Club Libertad

Athletico Paranaense have had mixed results in this competition, but when they want to they are more than capable of securing a victory with the quality in their squad.

Unfortunately for the hosts, Club Libertad have the potential to win the group in this game, and that alone should spur them on to achieve three points here.