Football 
Tennis 
Horse Racing Fluminense vs LDU Quito Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
It’s the Recopa Sudamericana second leg on Friday and Nathan Joyes returns after his two odds-against winners to provide his Fluminense vs LDU Quito prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
The Recopa Sudamericana is held over two legs between the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana winners, and its advantage to the Ecuadorian club after their 1-0 win.
Our Fluminense vs LDU Quito prediction is for the match to end in a 1-1 draw.
LDU Quito vs Fluminense Prediction, Team News, Fixtures and Lineups Preview
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 1: Under 2.5 Goals
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 2: Half Time Draw
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 3: LDU Quito +2 Handicap
In this article:
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Team News and Possible Lineups
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Match Stats
- Safer Gambling
Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 1: Goals at a premium
Rio de Janeiro, Recopa Sudamericana, Friday, March 1st, 00:30 (UK)
Fluminense suffered in the conditions in Quito and almost came away with a draw, only for the hosts to pinch a precious but deserved 1-0 lead in added time.
Less than 48 hours later, Fluminense were in a Derby vs Flamengo. Fernando Diniz bizarrely barely rotated, and although level at half-time, weary legs crept in, and Fla came out on top 2-0.
Flu had a goal chalked off in the first half thanks to VAR, but aside from this, they rarely troubled their arch-rivals.
They return to the Maracana on Friday for the second leg, and although heavy favourites priced at 1.40, LDU Quito may have been underestimated in the market.
LDU Quito were constantly seen as the underdogs on their travels in the Sudamericana last year. However, they held Botafogo, Corinthians and Sao Paulo to draw in Brazil. In fact, they remained unbeaten on the road throughout the tournament.
Looking to protect a one-goal lead, expect the visitors to be compact and frustrate Fluminense, which is why under 2.5 goals looks to offer plenty of value.
We saw Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle hold Flamengo last year in the Recopa with a 0-0 draw at the Maracana, and we may well see it again this time round.
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 1: Under 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 1.95
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 2: Ecuadorians to hold on tight
Fortunately for Fluminense, they have five days in which to rest and prepare for this fixture after a gruelling week. However, although LDU Quito have to travel to Brazil, they haven’t played a match since the first leg, and fitness won’t be an issue.
With an experienced back four and the highly-rated Oscar Zambrano sitting just in front, LDU Quito is well-equipped to handle any early onslaught that may come their way.
They haven’t conceded in both of their matches this season, while Fluminense are struggling to find the back of the net. With just two goals in their last five matches, German Cano has failed to find his incredible form from last year as of yet.
John Kennedy looks set to play a key role, but he normally doesn’t feature until the second half. If Cano remains quiet, or if LDU Quito can manage him as they did in the first leg, there’s every reason to suggest there’s more value in this match – this time with a level game after 45 minutes.
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 2: Half Time Draw
- Best Odds: 2.30
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 3: Visitors to cause a huge upset
It’s no surprise that I’m siding with LDU Quito on the handicap market, who have been magnificent in the last 12 months.
With Fluminense failing to fire on all cylinders since their Libertadores success, it’s strange the market has overlooked one of South America’s more up-and-coming teams.
Ecuadorian football is continuing to improve and has arguably taken over Argentinian football – after three Sudamericana titles in the last five years, it’s difficult to argue.
Josep Alcacer has taken over as manager, and even though this is his first managerial role after six assistant jobs in Spain, the Spaniard has made a positive start to life with his new club.
Although Fluminense are the heavy favourite in an intimidating venue, LDU Quito have shown time and time again they can cope when the pressure is on. They didn’t lose any of their three trips to Brazil last year, which is why the handicap option looks to be a safer bet.
- Fluminense vs LDU Quito Tip 3: LDU Quito +2 Handicap
- Best Odds: 1.61
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Fluminense vs LDU Quito Prediction odds via bet365 as at 20:00, February 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Fluminense vs LDU Quito Team News and Possible Lineups: As we were from first leg
Neither Fluminense nor LDU Quito picked up any injuries from the first leg and Diniz was fortunate all of his players were intact after their derby match against Fluminense.
German Cano is expected to lead the line for Flu, but the 36-year-old has failed to score in his last three matches. Whether John Kennedy will take his place remains to be seen.
Alex Barrios Arce scored the winner last week on his debut coming off the bench, having moved from Independiente Rivadavia, where he scored 25 goals in 31 appearances. It’s unlikely he’ll start, but he’s a solid option to come off the bench if required.
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Marcelo, Felipe Melo, Thiago Santos, Martinelli, Andre, Ganso, Arias, Keno, Cano
LDU Quito possible starting lineup:
Dominguez; Quintero, Ade, Mina, Quinonez, Zambrano, Estupinan Garcia, Piovi, Gonzalez Baquero, Jhojan Julio, Jan Hurtado
Match Stats: Visitors to prove difficult to beat
- LDU Quito won the first leg 1-0 thanks to Lucas Piovi’s 92nd minute winner.
- LDU Quito didn’t lose any of their three matches in Brazil last year in the Sudamericana.
- Fluminense have failed to score more than two goals in their last five games.
SAFER GAMBLING
At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.
