Preview: Palestino vs. Fortaleza - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts need just one point to qualify for the next round, while the visitors have already confirmed their place in the round of 16 as group winners.

Match preview

Palestino have collected eight points from their five group stage games up to this point, most recently picking up a point away at San Lorenzo, which puts them in a very strong position to qualify for the next round of the competition.

While they have, on the whole, performed well in the Copa Sudamericana, the Arabs are struggling in their domestic league, currently sitting in 11th place, just six points clear of the relegation zone.

However, Pablo Sanchez's side have started to improve in recent weeks, having lost just one of their last seven games, booking their place in the Chilean Cup round of 16 with a thrilling 5-4 victory against Santiago Morning last time out.

In the reverse fixture against their upcoming opponents, Palestino were on the receiving end of a heavy 4-0 defeat in Brazil, and a much-improved performance will be needed if they are to take anything from the crucial game on Tuesday night.

As it stands, the Arabs sit three points above San Lorenzo in the group, however the Argentinian side have what should be a relatively easy game against Estudiantes Merida, so a point is the minimum requirement on Tuesday night.

Fortaleza have already confirmed they will finish as group winners, having collected 12 points from their five games up to this point, with their only loss coming in surprise fashion against Estudiantes Merida last time out.

Silvio Romero missed a penalty in the fourth minute of the game, before Ervin Zorrilla netted a second-half winner for the Venezuelan side, which came against the run of play, with Lion of the Pici dominating the majority of the possession.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda's side are faring well in the Brasileiro, picking up 20 points from their opening 12 games, having conceded just nine goals up to this point, the second-best defensive record in the division.

Although they lost their last match in the Copa Sudamericana, Fortaleza head into Tuesday's game in good form, winning their last two league games, most recently defeating Atletico Mineiro 2-1, courtesy of goals from Tomas Pochettino and Tinga.

Palestino Copa Sudamericana form:

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L

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D

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D

Fortaleza Copa Sudamericana form:

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L

Fortaleza form (all competitions):

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Team News

Palestino are unlikely to make too many changes to the team that recorded a 5-4 victory last time out, with Maximiliano Salas and Bruno Barticciotto set to lead the line again, with the latter recently scoring his first two international goals for Chile.

Sanchez's side are set to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with the central midfield duo of Fernando Cornejo and Agustin Farias likely to keep their places, while Fernando Meza and Cristian Suarez should get the nod in the centre of defence.

Fortaleza may make a few alterations to their starting lineup, given that they have already booked their place in the round of 16, with Calebe potentially coming in for Pochettino in midfield, while Lucas Sasha may replace Hercules.

Yago Pikachu has weighed in with two goals and two assists in the Copa Sudamericana this season, and the Brazilian is set to keep his place on the right wing, with Silvio Romero set to lead the line.

Palestino possible starting lineup:

Rigamonti; Rojas, Meza, Suarez, Vejar; Carrasco, Cornejo, Farias, Carvajal; Salas, Barticciotto

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:

Ricardo; Tinga, Marcelo, Titi; Pikachu, Hercules, Caio, Calebe, Pacheco; Lucero, Galhardo

We say: Palestino 1-1 Fortaleza

Tuesday's game is far more important to Palestino, and we expect them to book their place in the next round of the Copa Sudamericana by picking up a point.

While Fortaleza have been very impressive in the competition up to this point, they did struggle in their last away match, against Estudiantes Merida.

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