Libertad v Guaireña

Libertad play their final game of the year at La Huerta, capping off a disappointing second half of the year but still hopeful having qualified for the 2023 Copa Libertadores. Guaireña meanwhile remain in a battle for the Copa Sudamericana and could secure a spot with a win.

Daniel Garnero’s side drew 0-0 with Cerro Porteño in their last game which means they are now three games without a win at home, a real surprise considering they had won 12 of the preceding 13 matches. The side seem to have been going through the motions since they were knocked out of the Copa Paraguay and their last chance of silverware. Despite that, it is still the strongest side on paper and capable of winning, and comfortably, even when playing below par. On a personal note Héctor Villalba returned to the starting line up after a long injury layoff and will be keen to impress as he hopes to return to the National Team. Lorenzo Melagrejo currently leads the top scorer charts and has been dangerous at home, scoring 11 times at La Huerta so far this year. 

Guaireña have had an almost perfectly mixed season during the Clausura, a record of 7-6-7 along with 23 goals scored and 24 conceded. It is perhaps no surprise that they sit sixth in a 12-team division with that record. Although they kept three clean sheets in their last four matches the record is different when you look at games played in Asunción, they have conceded +1.5 goals in seven of their last eight trips to the capital in all competitions, even shipping two to 2^nd division Trinidense in the Cup. The experienced winger Diego Godoy is out of this one having been sent off in the previous game. 

The last meeting between these sides was a resounding 4-0 win for Guaireña, but it would be a surprise to see something similar taking place at Libertad’s home ground. The team from Villarrica certainly are more motivated and with Nildo Viera on good form and Pablo Ayala back in the side from injury they should be good to find the net.