Peru’s Torneo de Verano is back as newly promoted Sport Rosario hope to upset Sporting Cristal

This weekend is mostly a make-up weekend with the regular league play still being suspended for one more week due to the nationwide flooding. Here is everything you need to know regarding these matches.

Saturday, April 8th, 2017

Sporting Cristal vs Sport Rosario

Sporting Cristal are on a bad run of form at the moment. Currently winless in their last 6 in all competitions, they’ll feel that newly promoted Sport Rosario at home is a very good opportunity to get back on track. While Sport Rosario have shown they are no pushovers (currently second in their group with 17 points), Cristal should be aiming for the win because as a team overall, they are stronger and the current defending champions. Sporting Cristal to win is the most likely outcome.

Player to watch: Pablo Lavandeira (Sport Rosario)

Pablo Lavandeira has been the creator, the scorer and the leader of this Sport Rosario side. Without him, they wouldn’t be doing as well as they currently are. The Uruguayan has bagged 3 goals so far and will be looking to add more to his tally.

FBC Melgar vs Ayacucho FC

Melgar are first in their group and they’ve got a good fixture to keep their run going. Currently unbeaten in all competitions so far, they are likely to win here. Ayacucho are a team battling relegation most seasons and they’ve not done much to suggest it will be different this year. The scoreline will never be massive with the way Juan Reynoso likes to play, but Melgar should win fairly comfortably here.

Player to watch: Emanuel Herrera (FBC Melgar)

Emanuel Herrera has been impressive since signing for Melgar. He’s everything you want in a striker in this level. An impressive scoring ability, great hold up play and a strong forward. He’s being picked out here because of how much he impressed against Union Comercio and will look to continue his good form in order to help his team.

Sunday, April 9th, 2017

Juan Aurich vs Alianza Lima

Juan Aurich and Alianza Lima played each other right before the international break. The score ended 7-2 in favour of Alianza in Lima. It definitely won’t be a smashing but Alianza should win again. Juan Aurich have lost a lot of players this season and will likely be battling relegation this year. They also do not have the most defensive manager. Wilmar Valencia’s teams are always good at sneaking in goals but the defence usually doesn’t cut it. Specifically, it showed in the 7-2 loss in Lima and many times when he managed Real Garcilaso the season prior.

Player to watch: German Pacheco (Alianza Lima)

German Pacheco is an ex-Aurich player and has been doing well since signing for La Blanquiazul. Having 2 goals and 1 assist as well as doing well at troubling opposition backlines, it will be interesting to see him play away at Juan Aurich, the club that he’s done so well for in the past.

Alianza Atletico vs Universidad San Martin de Porres

Toughest game to call out of the games played this weekend. A draw is probably the most likely. Alianza Atletico is in poor form with 1 win in the last 6 and have scored 2 goals and conceded 13. Universidad San Martin are in up and down form. They’ve won 3 and lost 4 with them winning 1 and then losing the next in a pattern. It should be interesting to note that Alianza Atletico won the away game against San Martin. Again, the draw seems most likely. San Martin are a bit stronger but the home advantage for Alianza Atletico should get them to be able to match Universidad San Martin.

Player to watch: Alexander Succar (Universidad San Martin de Porres)

Both teams have lost important assets to their teams so it’s not easy to pick out stand out players. Alexander Succar has to be it. In all 3 of San Martin’s victories, he’s contributed with a goal or an assist. The former under 20 Peru international has a bright future ahead if he can keep contributing for his teams on a somewhat consistent basis.

Monday, April 10th, 2017

Comerciantes Unidos vs Sport Huancayo

Comerciantes Unidos lost their best player in Robert Ardiles, who was a big part of the continental qualification success last season. Comerciantes were the best team at home last season, and even with their losses, they’ve still been strong at home. Sport Huancayo on the other hand, have a much stronger team than Comerciantes but poor away form. The most likely outcome here is a narrow Comerciantes win or a draw.

Player to watch: Marcos Lliuya (Sport Huancayo)

Lliuya has not started every game this season, but he’s been very important every time he’s come on as a substitute. He’s been a starter in the last 3 games, meaning he’s won himself a spot and he should start again in this match. His dribbling ability and creativity is good enough to trouble any team in the league. Definitely the stand out player between the 2 teams.