The round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores gets underway as Emelec and Atletico Mineiro go head to head at the Estadio Banco del Pacífico Capwell on Tuesday.
While the hosts will be seeking just their second win in seven consecutive outings across all competitions, the Brazilian team heads into the game on a run of three straight victories.
Match preview
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Emelec needed all three points in their group finale against Independiente Petrolero on May 25 to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores.
El Bombillo struggled to get a foothold in the tournament, losing two and picking up one draw from their opening three games and claiming five points heading into the final-day clash with the Bolivians.
However, Ismael Rescalvo's men turned on the style as they claimed an emphatic 7-0 victory to finish runners-up in Group A, one point above third-placed Deportivo Tachira.
While Emelec will look to keep the juggernaut rolling, they head into Tuesday winless in five of their last six games across all competitions, losing three and picking up two draws in that time.
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Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro picked up 11 points from a possible 18 to finish top of Group D, beating second-placed Deportes Tolima only on goal difference.
The Brazilian outfit enjoyed an unbeaten run in their opening five games before falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Deportes Tolima in the group finale on May 26.
Atletico Mineiro, who are eyeing their second continental crown, head into Tuesday's game on a run of three consecutive victories across all competitions while they are unbeaten in each of their last five games since a 5-3 loss to Fluminense on June 9.
Antonio Mohamed's side first clinched the Copa Libertadores title back in 2013 when they saw off Paraguayan outfit Club Olimpia on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw in a thrilling final showdown.
While Atletico Mineiro will look to pick up a fourth straight victory and place one foot in the quarter-finals, they will need to arrest their current slump on the road as they have managed just one win in their last five away games across all competitions.
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Team News
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Atletico Mineiro will take to the pitch without Matias Zaracho, who picked up a muscle injury in the game against Atletico Goianiense on May 14.
Thirty-two-year-old forward Keno missed the game against Fortaleza last time out after coming off with a 33rd-minute injury in midweek and remains out of contention for the hosts.
Atletico Mineiro will also have to cope with the absence of Jair, who suffered a broken hand in the Serie A game against Flamengo on June 19.
As for Emelec, Rescalvo will be unable to call upon the services of Anibal Leguizamon, who is set to sit out his ninth consecutive game after picking up a knee problem in April's game against Palmeiras.
He is joined on the club's injury table by 30-year-old forward Marcos Caicedo, who has been out of action through an ACL injury since April.
Sebastian Rodriguez scored five of Emelec's 14 goals in the group stages and the Uruguayan midfielder will certainly be one to keep an eye out for.
Emelec possible starting lineup:
Ortiz; Carabali, Guevara, Quintero, Rodriguez; Arroyo, Rodriguez; R Caicedo, Garces, Zapata; Cabeza
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Arana, Rever, Alonso, Guga; Castilho, Allan; Arana, Fernandez, Rubens; Hulk
We say: Emelec 0-2 Atletico Mineiro
Emelec have struggled to grind out results in recent weeks, managing just one win from their last six games across all competitions. Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro appear to have found their rhythm once again and will be backing themselves on Tuesday. We predict a one-sided affair with the visitors coming away victorious.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joshua Ojele
