Thursday's Copa Sudamericana predictions including Palestino vs. Cuiaba

Palestino vs. Cuiaba (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Thursday's Copa Sudamericana knockout fixtures begin with Palestino welcoming Cuiaba to Estadio Ester Roa in the opening leg of that round of 32 clash.

A 3-1 defeat versus Bolivar on the final matchday of their Copa Libertatores campaign relegated the Chileans into this tournament, while Dourado finished second in Group G of the Sudamericana, defeating Lanus 1-0 in their final group contest.

We say: Palestino 0-0 Cuiaba

It has been a while since either side played in a game on such a big stage, and we expect to see a nervy affair between two teams that may want to avoid defeat more than anything.

Cerro Porteno vs. Athletico PR (Friday, 1.30am)

For the first time at the Copa Sudamericana, Cerro Porteno and Athletico Paranaense will face each other in the round of 32, with the opening leg taking place on Thursday at General Pablo Rojas Stadium in Asuncion.

The 34-time champions of Paraguay were relegated to this competition after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while El Paranaense wound up second in Group E at this tournament behind Sportivo Ameliano.

We say: Cerro Porteno 0-1 Athletico Paranaense

It has been over two weeks since Porteno last played in a competitive game, and given the long layoff, we expect it may take them a while to find a foothold in this one.

Paranaense do not seem to be phased with these knockout fixtures, and we expect them to eventually find a breakthrough against what could be a pesky backline.

LDU Quito vs. Always Ready (Friday, 1.30am)

LDU Quito will be aiming to take a significant step towards the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 when they welcome Always Ready to Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado on Friday.

The Ecuadorian outfit failed to progress from the Copa Libertadores group stage, finishing third, and they will be looking to overcome their Bolivian opponents who finished second during the Copa Sudamericana group stage.

We say: LDU Quito 2-0 Always Ready

LDU are the current champions of this competition and are formidable on home turf, making them clear favourites going into this encounter.

Furthermore, Always Ready are facing an unknown quantity in this match as the hosts have a new manager, which is a factor alongside their poor away record.