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Emelec entertain Palmeiras at the Estadio Banco del Pacífico Capwell in the third group stage fixture of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday.
The hosts have played out back-to-back draws in their two group stage fixtures in the competition so far and are second in the Group A standings.
Palmeiras, on the other hand, have recorded back-to-back wins in their two games so far, thrashing Independiente Petrolero 8-1 last time around. They have also maintained a solid run in the Brazilian Serie A, securing a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Corinthians in the Paulista Derby on Sunday.
The visitors have scored 12 goals in two games so far and conceded just once, so they are strong favorites here.
Emelec vs Palmeiras Head-to-Head
This will be just the third meeting between the two sides across all competitions. They last squared off in the group stage fixtures of the continental competition in the 1995 edition. Palmeiras secured wins in the two meetings back then.
Emelec form guide (all competitions): W-D-W-D-D
Palmeiras form guide (all competitions): W-D-D-W-L
Emelec vs Palmeiras Team News
Emelec
Mauro Quiroga missed the game against Aucas in the league with a head injury and faces a late fitness test ahead of the game. Gustavo Canto remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Marlon Mejía has trained separately from the group and faces a late fitness test as well.
Injuries: Gustavo Canto
Doubtful: Marlon Mejia, Mauro Quiroga
Suspension: None
Palmeiras
Luan and Jailson are the two absentees for Verdão. Head coach Abel Ferreira will be able to return to the sidelines, having served a two-game suspension.
Injured: Luan, Jailson
Suspended: None
Unavailable: None
Emelec vs Palmeiras Predicted XIs
Emelec (4-2-3-1): Pedro Ortiz (GK); Angel Gracia, Eddie Guevera, Anibal Leguizamon, Romario Caicedo; Sebastian Rodriguez, Dixon Arroyo; Rojas Lopez, Jeison Daniel Chalá Vásquez, Alexis Zapata; Alejandro Cabeza
Palmeiras (4-2-3-1): Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Benjamín Kuscevic, Gustavo Gomez, Joaquin Piquerez; Ze Rafael, Danilo; Dudu, Raphael Veiga, Gustavo Scarpa; Rafael Navarro.
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Emelec vs Palmeiras Prediction
Palmeiras are the top-scoring side in the competition and have 12 goals to their name in just two games. They have conceded once in that period, while the Ecuadorian side have scored two and conceded two in the same period.
The hosts have been in solid form at home but may struggle against the in-form Palmeiras side. We predict the game will end in a comfortable win for the visitors.
Prediction: Emelec 1-3 Palmeiras
