Preview: Union La Calera vs. Universidad Catolica - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are still hoping to claw their way into top spot, while their hosts occupy third place ahead of Tuesday's encounter.

Match preview

Union La Calera still harbour hopes of reaching the last 16, with two points separating them from Santos, who sit in the one and only qualification spot.

The Chilean outfit began their Copa Sudamericana campaign with a four-game unbeaten run, but that came to a halt last week when they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Santos.

That result helped Santos leapfrog Francisco Meneghini's side into top spot in the group, leaving Union La Calera's hopes of a knockout round appearance hanging by a thread.

Although their chances of reaching the last 16 may be out of their hands, Tuesday's hosts will be aiming to pile the pressure on Santos by beating Universidad Catolica.

Ahead of the final group game, Union La Calera will be looking to take confidence from the nine-game unbeaten home run that they are currently enjoying across all competitions.

Unlike their hosts, Universidad Catolica know that qualification for the last 16 is simply impossible after collecting just five points from their group matches.

The Ecuadorian side began their Copa Sudamericana campaign with a goalless draw against Tuesday's opponents before suffering a 3-2 away defeat to Santos on matchday two.

Their response, however, was a perfect one as they ousted Banfield via a 2-0 scoreline to take their points tally to four.

It was a victory that Universidad Catolica were unable to build upon, with their last two group games yielding just a single point.

Although their journey in the Copa Sudamericana is coming to an end, the visitors have the chance to clinch back-to-back away victories after beating Emelec in the Liga Pro at the weekend.

Union La Calera Copa Sudamericana form:

Union La Calera form (all competitions):

Universidad Catolica Copa Sudamericana form:

Universidad Catolica form (all competitions):

Team News

Simon Ramirez is suspended for the hosts after the late substitute was shown a straight red card against Santos.

There could be a starting place for Lucas Passerini, who is expected to be rewarded for his second half strike at the weekend.

Veteran striker Sebastian Saez will continue to lead the line for Union La Calera for the midweek encounter.

As for the visitors, Andres Ona could be given starting a berth after featuring for the second half against Emelec at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Ismael Diaz came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser against Banfield on matchday five, and the 25-year-old is in line to start on Tuesday.

The Universidad Catolica forward line is expected to be formed by Walter Chala and Rodrigo Rivas.

Union La Calera possible starting lineup:

Arce; Sanhueza, Vilches, Wiemberg; Vindangossy, Perez, Alarcon, Fernandez, Castellani, Orellana; Passerini, Saez

Universidad Catolica possible starting lineup:

Cuero; Anangono, Caicedo, Mosquera, Loor; Clavijo, Ona, Minda, Diaz; Rivas, Chala

We say: Union La Calera 2-1 Universidad Catolica

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