Copa Sudamericana Prediction: Ante-Post Outright Preview

We’ve reached the round of 16 in this year’s Copa Sudamericana and our South American expert Nathan Joyes has analysed three potential winners with his best predictions for the tournament.

Favouring last year’s finalists, as well as one of Brazil’s most exciting teams in 2024, Nathan has sided for recent experience with his selections. Although two Brazilian clubs have been brought to the table, it would be foolish to rule out the Ecuadorian champions. Find out why below.

Copa Sudamericana Prediction 1: Finalists once more

Copa Sudamericana, Friday, July 26th, 00:00 (UK)

This side of the draw is arguably the most difficult to call but Fortaleza could be the team to come out on top.

They may well have to face Brazilian clubs all the way to the final, but they’ve beaten both Athletico PR and Bragantino over the last 12 months, and at home, they’ve been incredible across all competitions this season.

Forward Juan Lucero has been in fine form ever since his arrival from Chile back in 2022, having hit double digits already in 2024. Midfielder Tomas Pochettino is arguably Fortaleza’s best player, who is their link up man capable of scoring as well as producing assists.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda has been the head coach since 2021, and while most clubs in Brazil choose to rotate every season, their consistency and family feel at Fortaleza is seeing results improve on the pitch.

Last year’s finalists are one of the most progressive clubs in Brazil, and that experience will have taught them plenty. 

Although they are flying high in Serie A, there could come a point where certain games are prioritised. Yet there’s plenty to like about Vojvoda’s preferred 4-3-3 and they can reach another final.

• Copa Sudamericana Outright Prediction 1: Fortaleza to lift the trophy
• Best Odds: 10.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Copa Sudamericana Prediction 2: Cruzeiro catch the eye

On the other side of the draw there are three teams that catch the eye. Sadly, two of them meet in the round of 16. Boca Juniors face Cruzeiro but the Brazilians might just have the edge over the two legs.

At the time of writing, Cruzeiro has won all eight of their home matches in Serie A. Although rocky on the road, they’ve just hammered Botafogo, one of the league favourites, 3-0 in their own backyard.

Smooth, exciting, quick transition plays are what makes them a standout team in this competition. Manager Fernando Seabra will be hoping their win against Botafogo will kickstart their away form, and a draw or 1-0 defeat at worst at La Bombonera could keep them in the tie for the second leg back at home.

The club has heavily invested in the last 12 months, and the likes of Matheus Pereira, Lautaro Diaz, Matheus Henrique and Kaio Jorge can hopefully repay the club on the pitch.

Investment doesn’t always mean results or trophies, but their team is clicking on the field incredibly well. There’s a good cohesion and plan in place when they are in the mood, which is why if they edge past Boca, they should feel confident they can progress to the final at the very least.

• Copa Sudamericana Outright Prediction 2: Cruzeiro to lift the trophy
• Best Odds: 8.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Copa Sudamericana Prediction 3: Champions a huge price

Last, but certainly not least, the champions have once again been underestimated. Although they will likely meet Cruzeiro or Boca Juniors in the semi-finals, their route there is one of the easiest in the tournament.

First up, they will face Argentina’s Lanus, followed by either Palestino or Independiente Medellin. Having dropped out of the Copa Libertadores group stage, despite picking up seven points, LDU Quito fall back into the tournament they are the holders of.

Their altitude advantage in Quito, the second highest capital in the world, is what served them well last year and it’s what saw them overcome Always Ready to reach this round.

The club signed forward Alex Barrios from Independiente Rivadavia and he’s scored 14 in as many matches in Liga Pro, showing he can step up from the level he was playing last year.

Next to him, 34-year-old Lisandro Alzugaray scored in the final last year, while Jhojan Julio’s pace makes their frontline incredibly difficult to keep quiet. 

In behind, the Ecuadorian club has one of the best up-and-coming defensive midfielders in South America – Oscar Zambrano. A mix of exciting young talent with experience is why they can go far once again in this tournament.

• Copa Sudamericana Outright Prediction 3: LDU Quito to lift the trophy
• Best Odds: 17.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Copa Sudamericana Outright Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, July 28th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

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