Thursday's Copa Libertadores predictions including Boca Juniors vs. Monagas

Boca Juniors vs. Monagas (Thursday, 11.00pm)

With progress to the Copa Libertadores knockout phase already secured, six-time champions Boca Juniors play their final Group F fixture on Thursday, when they host Monagas at La Bombanera.

While a draw would guarantee top spot for Boca, their Venezuelan visitors must win and hope second-placed Deportivo Pereira do not also take three points.

We say: Boca Juniors 1-0 Monagas

Given a distinct shortage of goals for Monagas this season, the plucky side from Maturin are set to drop out of the Copa Libertadores at its group stage following defeat in Buenos Aires. Even if they make a number of changes, Boca Juniors boast more nous at continental level and will have a point to prove following an embarrassing loss last week.

Colo-Colo vs. Dep. Pereira (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Both teams can still progress from the Copa Libertadores group stage ahead of a crucial clash at Santiago's Estadio Monumental, as Chilean champions Colo-Colo host Colombia's Deportivo Pereira on Thursday.

While the home side simply have to win and then hope Monagas do not upset Group F leaders Boca Juniors, a draw or even defeat could still see Deportivo make it through to the last 16.

We say: Colo-Colo 1-1 Deportivo Pereira

As Colo-Colo have not played for three weeks, as their Copa Chile contest against Union La Calera was postponed due to heavy rain, they may fail to find the cohesion required to defeat Copa Libertadores debutants Deportivo Pereira, who could be bound for the last 16.

If Monagas lose in Argentina, though, a draw would then secure third place for the Chilean side - and the consolation prize of a place in the Copa Sudamericana.

Palmeiras vs. Bolivar (Friday, 1.00am)

Brazilian giants Palmeiras lock horns with Bolivian outfit Bolivar at Allianz Parque for their final match in the Copa Libertadores group stage on Thursday evening.

The two teams have already qualified for the knockout rounds, but a win for either side will secure top spot in Group C.

We say: Palmeiras 2-2 Bolivar

Palmeiras looked an unstoppable force on home soil until they suffered defeat to Botafogo last weekend, and returning to winning ways is not a given for the Alviverde considering that they have already lost to Bolivar this season.

Indeed, the visitors head to Brazil in buoyant mood needing just a draw to claim top spot in Group C and we believe that the Bolivian side will pick up the point they need in an entertaining contest at Allianz Parque.

Barcelona vs. Cerro Porteno (Friday, 1.00am)

Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC welcome Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno to the Estadio Monumental for their final group fixture in the Copa Libertadores on Friday.

Neither team can progress to the knockout rounds, but a victory for either club will see them secure third spot and drop down into the Copa Sudamericana.

We say: Barcelona SC 1-2 Cerro Porteno

Neither team enters Friday's contest with strong form under their belts, but they will be motivated to claim all three points in Guayaquil and continue their continental journey in the Copa Sudamericana.

Cerro Portano got the better of Barcelona in April, and they may just have the edge to claim another victory and leapfrog their opponents into third spot.