Preview: Boca Juniors vs. Barcelona SC - prediction, team news, lineups

Barcelona SC go up against Boca Juniors on Thursday evening with the opportunity to qualify for the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores.

However, victory for the home side would leave the two teams locked on nine points in Group C with one match remaining.

Match preview

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Having posted three successive wins ahead of facing the worst-performing side in the group, Barcelona expected to have booked their place in the knockout stages later this year.

However, the Ecuadorian side were humbled by The Strongest, who posted a 2-0 victory courtesy of a double from Jair Reinoso.

Despite remaining in first position, Barcelona must now pick up points against at least one of Boca or Santos, a difficult task considering the size of those two clubs.

While Fabian Bustos's side got back on track at the weekend, they required a penalty to overcome 11th-placed 12 de Octubre by a 1-0 scoreline.

Boca Juniors have also been below par in recent weeks, suffering three successive defeats before Sunday's 1-1 draw with River Plate.

The Argentine giants eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout, but Miguel Angel Russo has been left frustrated with his team's recent displays.

On a positive note, they will move level with their opponents if they can win at La Bombonera, although Russo is aware of the potential consequences of defeat.

Boca have scored just three goals in their most recent five matches, with two of the strikes coming from the now 37-year-old Carlos Tevez.

Although the legendary forward is no longer viewed as a regular starter by Russo, he may have to rely heavily on the veteran to help the club progress further in this competition.

Team News

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Barring any late fitness issues, Russo will consider selecting the same side which performed solidly against River Plate.

Tevez, along with former Manchester United teammate Marcos Rojo, came through 90 minutes of that fixture, and they should keep their places in defence and attack respectively.

Emmanuel Mas is an alternative to Frank Fabra at left-back, while Jorman Campuzano may be recalled in the centre of midfield.

Sergio Lopez and Michael Hoyos are both pushing for opportunities in the Barcelona starting lineup.

With Gonzalo Mastriani still yet to score this season, Carlos Garces should keep his spot down the middle of the forward line.

Boca Juniors possible starting lineup:

Rossi; Buffarini, Izquierdoz, Rojo, Fabra; Medina, Varela, Almendra; Pavon, Tevez, Villa

Barcelona SC possible starting lineup:

Burrai; Castillo, Leon, Riveros, Quinonez; Molina, Pinatares; Hoyos, Lopez, Pineida; Garces

We say: Boca Juniors 2-1 Barcelona SC

Having suffered defeat in their last match, it remains to be seen how Barcelona will react in a fixture of this magnitude.

Combined with the home team needing to push for all three points, the Argentine giants could edge a competitive contest.