The 2022 Copa Sudamericana final takes place this Saturday between Brazilian giants Sao Paulo and Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Argentina.
Sao Paulo won this competition for the first time in 2012, whereas Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle won the Copa Sudamericana in 2019.
Match preview
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Both sides head into this final in similar form, with both taking seven points from their last three league games.
Sao Paulo are languishing in 12th after what has been a lacklustre league campaign, whereas Independiente del Valle are in second, just two points behind league leaders Aucas.
In their most recent outing, Sao Paulo were victorious away at Ceara in Serie A, where goals from Jonathan Calleri and Nahuel Bustos saw them run out 2-0 winners.
Although their recent win was routine, Sao Paulo's route to the Copa Sudamericana final has been anything but. A 3-1 first-leg defeat to Atletico Goianiense was followed up by a 2-0 home win, taking the tie to a nervy penalty shootout which Sao Paulo won 4-2.
Sao Paulo do not struggle for goals, and have a strike partnership of Jonathan Calleri and Luciano which has been responsible for 20 between them so far this season.
Rogerio Ceni's side are also adept defensively, having conceded 31 times in the league this season, which is the same as second-placed Fluminense.
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Similarly, Independiente del Valle do not struggle for goals and are on a superb scoring streak, having netted at least one goal in each of their last 18 games.
Independiente del Valle's last league game saw them beat bottom-of-the-table Macara courtesy of a Fernando Gaibor goal in the 98th minute. It was a heavily rotated squad which saw a change of formation, no doubt resting players ahead of Saturday's final.
While Sao Paulo reached the final in dramatic fashion, Martin Anselmi's side had no such trouble, winning both legs against Peruvian side Melgar 3-0.
Independiente del Valle are also enjoying a better league campaign than Saturday's opponents, sitting second in the second round of the Ecuadorian LigaPro.
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Team News
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Sao Paulo could be without as many as six players for the final through injury.
Young winger Caoi, defender Robert Arboleda and attacking midfielder Andre Anderson are long-term absentees for the Brazilian side, having all been out of action since June.
More recent injuries to Nikao, Joao Moreira and Gabriel Neves will certainly test the strength of Sao Paulo's squad heading into Saturday's final.
Independiente del Valle have fewer injury concerns going into this game, with just Nicolas Previtali expected to miss out.
The Argentinian midfielder ruptured his cruciate ligament back in April, but he could return to training by November.
Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:
Alves; Rafinha, Diego, Leo Pele, Reinaldo; Alisson, Maia, Nestor, Patrick; Luciano, Calleri
Independiente del Valle possible starting lineup:
Ramirez; Fernandez, Carabajal, Schunke, Segovia, Chavez; Solorzano, Pellerano, Faravelli; Sornoza, Diaz
We say: Sao Paulo 3-2 Independiente del Valle
Given Sao Paulo's quality in attack it would be a surprise if they were thwarted by their opponents on Saturday. Their incredible history in South American football also gives them something of an edge, with that respect factor perhaps giving them an extra one or two percent.
Yet, Independiente del Valle have proven themselves as a proficient side in attack and while they are weaker on paper than their counterparts, they should give the Brazilian giants a strong run for their money.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
