Preview: Oriente Petrolero vs. Fluminense - prediction, team news, lineups

Fluminense will travel to Bolivia to face Oriente Petrolero on Wednesday with the visitors holding out hope of reaching the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.

The hosts, meanwhile, are already eliminated from the competition, with Oriente yet to pick up a single point in the group stages.

Match preview

© Reuters

Oriente have struggled significantly in the Copa Libertadores this season, with all five of their group matches ending in defeat.

Wednesday's hosts have shipped 13 goals across the group phase, while they have not fared much better in the final third.

The Bolivian side have found the net on just two occasions in their five matches, with the deficiencies at both ends of the pitch contributing to their downfall.

Although the home side will bow out of the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday, they will be hoping to avoid finishing the campaign without scoring a point.

Hopes of a positive result may be slim though, after the reverse fixture between the two sides ended in a 3-0 Fluminense victory.

Fluminense, on the other hand, are still harbouring hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, although their chances may be slim with two points separating them from the one and only qualification spot.

The Brazilian side currently occupy third place after collecting eight points from their five games, which has contained two victories.

If Fernando Diniz's charges are to reach the last 16 then they must beat Oriente and hope that the contest between Atletico Junior and Union Santa Fe finishes all square.

The visitors carry significant momentum into the midweek contest after avoiding defeat in each of their last six matches in all competitions.

They also have the chance to clinch a third consecutive home victory on Wednesday, and they are currently unbeaten in their previous eight Copa Sudamericana home games.

Team News

© Reuters

Although he was sent off at the weekend, Hector Sanchez will be available, with his suspension set to be served in domestic competition.

Carlos Roca could be given a starting berth for the midweek contest after coming on at half time against Junior on matchday five.

Meanwhile, Facundo Suarez will continue to lead the line for the hosts after scoring four goals in his last seven appearances.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Felipe Melo and John Kennedy due to knee and foot problems respectively.

After missing the last three matches through injury, Fred could also miss out for Fluminense.

Ganso, who has started the last two matches, is set to retain his place in the starting lineup, with the 32-year-old likely to operate behind German Cano.

Oriente Petrolero possible starting lineup:

Quifionez; Garcia, Caire, Zazpe, C. Roca; Sandoval, Rojas; Dorrego, Guaycochea, Sanchez; Suarez

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Felipe, Nino, Braz, Marlon; Andre, Wellington; Henrique, Ganso, Nathan; Cano

We say: Oriente Petrolero 1-3 Fluminense

While the hosts have little to play for, Fluminense know that they must win and hope that the other group match ends in a draw, and we think the visitors will collect the desired three points when they face an Oriente side that have lost every group game.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.