Preview: Emelec vs. Danubio - prediction, team news, lineups

The Ecuadorian hosts head into the final group game in third position, while Danubio are a point better off in second place.

Match preview

Emelec have avoided defeat in their last four Copa Sudamericana matches since losing 2-0 to Danubio on matchday one.

They responded with a 2-0 win over Huracan in their second group game before going on to claim three straight victories to move onto six points.

With one point separating them from Danubio, Emelec know that they must record their second victory in the group stage if they are to advance to the knockout rounds.

Picking up all three points may prove difficult for an Emelec side that have mustered just one win in their last 12 competitive games.

However, they are yet to lose in this season's Copa Sudamericana, winning two and drawing one of their three home games in the first stage and the group phase.

After beginning the group stage with a win over Emelec, Danubio had to settle for just one point from their next three Copa Sudamericana fixtures.

They bounced back on matchday five, claiming a 1-0 victory over Huracan thanks to a second-half penalty from Guillermo May.

That result kick-started a run of three consecutive victories in all competitions, ensuring they head into Wednesday's contest in a confident mood.

After losing away to Club Guarani and drawing in Argentina against Huracan, Danubio will be looking to claim their first away win of the group stage.

A draw would guarantee Danubio a place in the knockout rounds, while a failure to pick up a point could bring a number of permutations into play depending on the result of Club Guarani's meeting with Huracan.

Emelec Copa Sudamericana form:

W

L

W

D

D

D

Emelec form (all competitions):

Danubio Copa Sudamericana form:

W

W

L

D

L

W

Danubio form (all competitions):

D

L

D

W

W

W

Team News

After missing the league meeting with Deportivo Cuenca through suspension, Fernando Leon is set to return to the Emelec backline.

Christhian Valencia has started the last two matches, and he is expected to retain his place in the centre of midfield.

Alejandro Cabeza will be looking to add to the two goals he has scored in the group stage when he leads the line on Wednesday.

As for the visitors, Esteban Conde could opt to utilise a back three made up of Santiago Etchebarne, Martin Rea and Lucas Ferreira.

Leandro Sosa returned from suspension to play the duration of Danubio's 2-0 win over La Luz, and the 32-year-old is expected to keep his place for the midweek encounter.

After dropping out of the lineup for the last two matches, experienced striker Diego Vera could return to the side against Emelec.

Emelec possible starting lineup:

Ortiz; Fara, Leon, Leguizamon, Cruz; Valencia, Cevallos; Sosa, Bolanos, Garcia; Cabeza

Danubio possible starting lineup:

Goicoechea; Etchebarne, Rea, Ferreira; Haller, Millan, Sosa, Lewis; May; Fernandez, Vera

We say: Emelec 2-1 Danubio

Previews by email