In a crucial Copa Sudamericana Round of 32 second-leg clash, Bolivia’s Always Ready is set to host Ecuador’s LDU Quito at the Estadio Municipal El Alto on July 26, 2024. The high-stakes encounter kicks off at 1:30 AM UK time, with Always Ready facing a daunting task after a 3-0 defeat in the first leg.
Match Preview and Team Dynamics
Always Ready finds themselves in a precarious position, needing nothing short of a miracle to overturn the three-goal deficit. The Bolivian side’s recent form has been less than stellar, failing to score in four of their last five competitive matches. However, their home record in the Copa Sudamericana group stage offers a glimmer of hope, having won all three matches without conceding a single goal.
LDU Quito, on the other hand, enters the match with a comfortable advantage and a string of positive results. The Ecuadorian outfit has won three of their last four competitive fixtures and remains unbeaten in their previous six matches across all competitions. Their recent 3-0 victory in the first leg has put them in the driver’s seat for progression to the next round.
Injury Concerns and Lineup Predictions
Both teams have kept their injury lists under wraps, with no major absences reported. Always Ready is likely to make strategic changes to their lineup in pursuit of goals. Wesley Tanque, their top scorer in the group stage, is expected to lead the attack. For LDU Quito, Jhojan Julio, who found the net in the first leg, is anticipated to retain his place in the starting eleven.
- Possible Always Ready Lineups (4-4-2): Tanque, Cuellar, Baroja, Rodriguez, Vaca, Caicedo, Suarez, Medina, Matheus, Terrazas, Martines
- Possible LDU Quito Lineups (4-3-3): Arce, Quinonez, Mina, Dominguez, Ade, Julio, Estupinan, Angulo, Cornejo, Quintero, Alvarado
Where to Watch
Football enthusiasts can catch the action live on various platforms. Here’s the live stream and TV schedule for top-tier countries:
- USA: Fanatiz USA, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español
- Argentina: DIRECTV Sports Argentina
- Brazil: Zapping, Claro TV+, Disney+ Brazil, Sky+, Vivo Play, ESPN Brazil
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fanatiz Canada, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN Sports Canada
- Spain: LaLiga+ Spain
- Mexico: Disney+ Mexico
Form Guide and Head-to-Head
Always Ready’s recent form has been shaky, with no wins in their last five competitive matches. Their home form, however, remains strong, being unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions at the Estadio Municipal El Alto.
LDU Quito has been in fine form, losing only once in their last six competitive outings. Their away record in Bolivia for Copa Sudamericana matches is less impressive, having never won on Bolivian soil in this competition.
The head-to-head record between these two sides is limited, with the recent 3-0 victory for LDU Quito being their first encounter in the Copa Sudamericana.
Prediction and Key Factors
Given the current form and the first-leg result, LDU Quito appears to have the upper hand. Always Ready’s strong home record in the group stage provides some hope, but overcoming a three-goal deficit against an in-form LDU Quito seems a tall order.
The high altitude of El Alto (over 4,300 meters above sea level) could play a significant role, potentially giving Always Ready a physical advantage as the match progresses. However, LDU Quito’s experience and tactical acumen under manager Vitamina Sanchez may prove crucial in managing the game.
Always Ready vs LDU Quito Prediction: Always Ready 0-1 LDU Quito (LDU to advance 4-0 on aggregate)
As the teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, football fans can anticipate an intriguing battle between Always Ready’s desperation for goals and LDU Quito’s determination to protect their lead. The outcome of this match will significantly shape both teams’ trajectories in this year’s Copa Sudamericana campaign.
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