Preview: Deportivo Tachira vs. Independiente Petrolero - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side currently sit in third place of Group A after collecting four points, while the visitors have picked up just one point from their four group games.

Match preview

After four matches, Deportivo Tachira are still in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds with just one point separating them from Emelec in second place.

Although the Venezuelan champions will have to improve on their most recent showing in South America's elite club competition after they were thrashed 4-1 by Emelec.

With their final fixture of the group stage taking them to Brazil to face defending Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras, Wednesday's host will recognise the importance of Wednesday's encounter with Independiente Petrolero.

A win in midweek would also guarantee Deportivo Tachira a place in the Copa Sudamericana last 16, as it would assure them of at least third place in the group.

Ahead of Wednesday's contest, the hosts will look to draw inspiration from the 2-1 victory they picked up against Independiente Petrolero in the reverse fixture on matchday three.

The visitors, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the tournament after collecting only one point from their four group matches.

A 1-1 draw against Emelec on matchday one got Independiente Petrolero up and running, but an 8-1 away defeat to Palmeiras dented their confidence before they were beaten 2-1 by Wednesday's opponents.

Matters got worse for Independiente Petrolero when they fell to a 5-0 defeat against Palmeiras in their most recent Copa Libertadores contest, leaving them rooted at the bottom of Group A.

Despite conceding 16 goals across their four group games, the Bolivian side can get themselves back in the reckoning with a victory on Wednesday.

However, if they are to clinch all three points in midweek, the visitors must end a six-game winless away run in all competitions.

Deportivo Tachira Copa Libertadores form:

Deportivo Tachira form (all competitions):

Independiente Petrolero Copa Libertadores form:

Independiente Petrolero form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts have no new injury concerns ahead of matchday five, although the Venezualan side could make at least one change to lineup following the 2-2 draw with Portuguesa.

Richard Figueroa featured as a second half substitute last time out, but he is set to return to the starting XI for Wednesday's contest.

Deportivo Tachira will be forced into a change in midfield, with Francisco Flores expected to replace Robert Garces, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

As for the visitors, they will have to cope without the services of the injured Alejandro Bejarano.

Jhasmani Campos will continue in the forward line after returning from injury to start the last two matches for Independiente Petrolero.

Meanwhile, Jenry Alaca is a doubt after being forced off at the weekend, with Emerson Velasquez set to come into the side if Alaca is unable to feature.

Deportivo Tachira possible starting lineup:

Valdes; Hernandez, Gutierrez, Marrufo, Benitez; Chacon, Cova, Flores, Hernandez; Figueroa, Uribe

Independiente Petrolero possible starting lineup:

Ayala; Folleco, Chiatti, Velasquez, Gimenez; Melgar, Aviles, Martinez; Campos, Correa, Ramirez

We say: Deportivo Tachira 3-1 Independiente Petrolero

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