Preview: Universidad Catolica vs. Sao Paulo - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams shall be aiming to get an advantage for the second leg in a bid to make it to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Match preview

Universidad Catolica were the lowest-ranked of the third-placed teams from the group stage, but they still did enough to earn their place in the round of 16 stage.

In the group games, Ariel Holan's side only managed to secure one victory which came against Sporting Cristal, while they also secured one draw which proved to be crucial in getting them into this round of the competition.

The squad did concede 10 times during those six fixtures, while only scoring half of those, and that is something that the squad will need to improve upon in order to get into the quarter-finals.

Catolica recently showed their ability to secure positive results in a two-legged cup fixture though after defeating Union San Felipe in the Copa Chile with an impressive 6-1 victory on aggregate.

Three goals in each of their previous two outings is something that will give the team plenty of confidence heading into this particular match, which is something that they will need.

Sao Paulo have been strong defensively in recent outings as they have managed to keep consecutive clean sheets heading into this particular match.

Despite that, the squad have only managed to gain one victory in their previous six matches across all competitions which does not provide the strongest momentum possible.

Yet when it comes to their efforts in the Copa Sudamericana they are so far undefeated with five victories and a draw throughout the tournament so far.

They have been the second most impressive team in the entire competition to this point as they have only conceded three goals while scoring 12 during the group stage.

That is something that they shall be looking to continue against the team with the worst defensive record from the group stage out of the remaining teams.

Universidad Catolica Copa Sudamericana form:

Universidad Catolica form (all competitions):

Sao Paulo Copa Sudamericana form:

Sao Paulo form (all competitions):

Team News

After scoring a brace in their most recent outing Diego Valencia will be sure to retain his place in the team in order to provide an attacking threat throughout the game.

Fernando Zampedri will also be adding to the offensive qualities of the hosts in this one, with his experience likely proving to be vital in this one as he leads the charge upfront.

The visitors head into this match with a lengthy list of injuries that will stretch the squad as Luan Santos and Andres Colorado are both out of action at the moment.

They are joined by Alisson, Nikao and Gabriel Sara which means that more opportunities will be provided to other members of the squad to prove themselves.

Universidad Catolica possible starting lineup:

Perez; Nunez, Astaburuaga, Paz, Parot; Orellana, Valencia, Gutierrez; Tapia, Zampedri, Cuevas

Sao Paulo possible starting lineup:

Jandrei; Rafinha, Miranda, Leo; Maia, Rigoni, Welington, Gomes, Patrick; Luciano, Eder

We say: Universidad Catolica 0-2 Sao Paulo

Universidad Catolica might be heading into this match on the back of three victories, but in the group stage, they found things difficult and that could be the case again on Friday.

The visitors are a strong squad with plenty of confidence as one of the favourites to win the entire competition, and they should be able to secure a routine win here.

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