Preview: The Strongest vs. Sporting Cristal - prediction, team news, lineups

For the hosts, a victory has the potential of not only going one step closer to reaching the knockout stage, but it could see them move to the top of Group D in the Copa Libertadores.

Match preview

The Strongest head into Thursday's match on the back of a 1-0 victory against Jorge Wilstermann in the Bolivian Primera Division where Luciano Ursino's goal was enough to separate the teams.

However, it was not without some late drama as Jaime Arrascaita found himself sent off in the 96th minute, forcing his teammates to defend the final stages with 10 men.

Thursday will see Claudio Biaggio's men return to focusing on the Copa Libertadores as the team aims to continue pushing to earn a place in the knockout stage.

A victory would make it mathematically impossible for their opponents to qualify from the group stage, which would push The Strongest into an even stronger position overall.

However, after two wins and two draws in the first four matches, it is clear that consistency has not been there for the team so far.

The visitors have only won once so far in this group stage, but the team will take confidence from the fact that the win took place against The Strongest.

Jhilmar Lora scored the only goal of the game that day with the full-back showcasing his attacking quality with a crucial goal that proved to be decisive.

Sporting Cristal followed that victory up with a 1-1 draw against River Plate where they were unable to hang onto their lead after going down to 10 men.

In the end, an 84th-minute goal canceled out the lead that Yoshimar Yotun had given his team, and that leaves them in a position where they cannot afford to lose in this match.

While a draw would keep their hopes of qualifying alive, three points would give them a good chance of pushing into second place, which would put them in a great position for the final match of the group.

The Strongest Copa Libertadores form:

W

L

L

W

The Strongest form (all competitions):

L

L

W

L

L

W

Sporting Cristal Copa Libertadores form:

D

W

L

L

W

D

Team News

Enrique Triverio is expected to lead the line for the hosts in this match, more than likely having two wingers by his side to create some width in the attack.

Ursino is also likely to retain his place in the team after scoring the winner in The Strongest's most recent match, showcasing the attacking qualities he can provide from midfield.

Alejandro Hohberg will be featured for the visitors fresh from scoring a brace in their most recent outing, while Brenner should lead the line as the sole striker.

Sporting Cristal have been operating a 4-3-3 formation which is the same as their opponents, which would lead this to being a case of players needing to win their individual battles.

The Strongest possible starting lineup:

Viscarra; Torres, Castillo, Jusino, Avellaneda; Quiroga, Ursino, Ortega; Chura, Triverio, Franco

Sporting Cristal possible starting lineup:

Solis; Sosa, Massoni, Oliveria, Laffore; Castillo, Tavara, Yotun; Grimaldo, Hohberg, Brenner

We say: The Strongest 1-1 Sporting Cristal

This is a game that Sporting Cristal cannot afford to lose, and with that in mind, it is likely that they will push to try and make life difficult for their opponents.

The Strongest will certainly provide stern competition for the visitors, and seeing the share the points and leaving everything for the fin game of the competition could end up happening.

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