Preview: Aucas vs. Nublense - prediction, team news, lineups

The Chilean club came from behind to secure a last-gasp victory over the Ecuadorian outfit in the reverse fixture, although both sides remain in the bottom two in Group A.

Match preview

When Aucas kicked off their Copa Libertadores campaign with a shock 2-1 win over Brazilian giants Flamengo, the reigning Ecuadorian champions might have dreamed of continental glory.

Since then, however, Cesar Farias's men have recorded three successive defeats, posting two losses against Argentine outfit Racing Club while suffering a 2-1 defeat to Nublense last month.

It is also worth pointing out that Aucas have lost each of their last three matches across all competitions, with last month's defeat to Racing Club preceding league loss against Deportivo Cuenca and Independiente del Valle.

Sitting one point adrift at the foot of Group A with two matches remaining, El Idolo de Quito must avoid defeat against Nublense to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout phase.

To say that Nublense dominated the reverse fixture would be an understatement, as the Chilean side racked up 23 shots while enjoying 73% possession, but they still required late goals from Patricio Rubio and Andres Vilches to snatch the win.

Following 2-0 defeats against Racing Club and Flamengo, the Red Devils looked destined to fail in the Libertadores this season, but they have since taken four points from a possible six to remain in the hunt for the knockout phase.

Thanks to a win over Aucas and a draw with Flamengo, Nublense head to Ecuador on a run of one defeat in six matches across all competitions, with three straight victories coming last month.

Granted, Jaime Garcia's men have struggled domestically this season, taking 18 points from a possible 45 to remain just above the relegation zone in Chile's top tier, but they still stand a chance of reaching the Libertadores knockouts.

Aucas Copa Libertadores form:

W

L

L

L

Aucas form (all competitions):

Nublense Copa Libertadores form:

L

L

W

D

Nublense form (all competitions):

Team News

Having reported no fresh injury problems in recent days, Aucas manager Cesar Farias is expected to stick with his favoured 5-4-1 formation, meaning that Kavier Ortiz will continue to lead the line.

Sergio Quintero and Edison Vega will likely operate in defensive midfield, allowing full-backs Carlos Cuero and Franklin Carabali to get forward and support the attack.

Nublense also have an injury-free squad at the moment, so Jaime Garcia could field the same XI that started the hard-fought draw with Flamengo last time out.

Bernardo Cerezo, Rafael Caroca and Nicolas Zalazar are expected to occupy the backline in a 3-5-2 formation, with Bayron Oyarzo and Patricio Rubio spearheading the visitors' attack.

Aucas possible starting lineup:

Frascarelli; Carabali; Canga, Caicedo, David, Cuero; Cano, Vega, Quintero, Otero; Ortiz

Nublense possible starting lineup:

Perez; Cerezo, Caroca, Salazar; Rebolledo, Leiva, Reyes, Zuniga, Campusano; Oyarzo, Rubio

We say: Aucas 1-1 Nublense

Aucas will be hopeful of gaining revenge over Nublense when the Chilean club visit Ecuador, but the hosts may have to settle for a point as they aim to end a run of three straight losses.

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