In the early hours of Thursday, Defensa y Justicia and Botafogo go head-to-head in the quarter-finals second leg of the Copa Sudamericana. The first leg in Argentina ended 1-1, so there is all to play for in this encounter.
Defensa y Justicia form guideThe home team are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions. A goalless draw at Platense last time out means that they have drawn back-to-back games. Their recent outings have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their previous five matches in all competitions.
Defensa y Justicia have a stellar recent record in the Copa Sudamericana, as they are unbeaten in their previous eight games in the competition, including seven wins and a draw. The first-leg draw ended a seven-match winning run in the Copa Libertadores.
The Argentinian team have a strong recent record on home soil in this competition, having recorded four consecutive home victories.
Botafogo form guideThe visitors are unbeaten in their previous 19 games in all competitions. Last time out, Botafogo recorded a 3-0 home win over Bahia. One of the key factors in Botafogo’s recent stellar form has been their defensive displays, as they have kept clean sheets in four of their previous six games in all competitions.
The Brazilian outfit has a good recent record in the Copa Sudamericana, as they are unbeaten in their previous 11 games. Their recent games in the competition have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last seven matches.
Botafogo are also unbeaten in their last five away games in the Copa Sudamericana, having recorded two wins and three draws. They have also kept three straight clean sheets on their travels in the competition.
What am I backing?Both teams have been in decent form of late. I can see this being a relatively even game. The bet I am backing is under 2.5 goals.