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

The hosts cannot finish in the top two, but they will be aiming to keep hold of third position, while Talleres have already secured their progression to the knockout stages.

Match preview

The hosts have picked up just four points from their five group matches, leaving them in third place ahead of the midweek contest.

With four points separating them from the top two, Universidad Catolica know that Tuesday's contest will be their final game in the Copa Libertadores this season.

However, they can still qualify for the knockout stages of the Copa Sudamericana, but to do that, they must keep hold of third place.

Tuesday's hosts currently have a two-point cushion over Sporting Cristal, and a win over Talleres would guarantee them a place in the Copa Sudamericana.

Although, if the Chilean side cannot claim their second win of the group phase then they will open the door for Sporting Cristal to barge their way past.

The visitors, meanwhile, do not have much to play for on matchday six of their Copa Libertadores group stage.

They are already guaranteed to qualify for the knockout stages after collecting eight points from their five group games.

Talleres cannot improve on their current second-place position, with the group leaders Flamengo five points clear.

Despite being assured of a spot in the knockout rounds, Pedro Caixinha will be challenging his side to pick up their first away win of the competition after losing their opening two away games in the Copa Libertadores this season.

Resolute defensive displays have been a key factor in the Copa Libertadores campaign, and they will have the chance to clinch a fourth clean sheet in the group phase on Tuesday.

Universidad Catolica Copa Libertadores form:

Universidad Catolica form (all competitions):

Talleres Copa Libertadores form:

Talleres form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts have a number of injury absentees, with the likes of Branco Ampuero, Juan Leiva, Marcelino Nunez and Fabian Orellana all sidelined.

Jose Fuenzalida is also a doubt for Universidad Catolica after he was forced off in the weekend contest with Audax Italiano.

The Chilean side will be looking towards their top scorer Fernando Zampedri for the goal threat, with the 34-year-old aiming to add to his 12-goal tally this season.

As for the visitors, they will be without the services of Michael Santos, who is suspended after receiving a red card on matchday five.

Santos's suspension could present Fernando Juarez with a starting opportunity for the midweek contest.

That could be the only alteration to the starting lineup, with Caixinha expected to keep changes to a minimum.

Universidad Catolica possible starting lineup:

Perez; Astudillo, Asta-Buruaga, Paz, Parot; Gutierrez, Saavedra, Buonanotte; Valencia, Cuevas, Zampedri

Talleres possible starting lineup:

Herrera; Benavidez, Catalan, Perez, Diaz; Mendez, Villagra, Juarez; Fertoli, Godoy; Girotti

We say: Universidad Catolica 1-1 Talleres

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