Torneo Apertura Preview: Huancayo look to break poor away form as Cristal take on Alianza in the big match

Union Comercio vs Sport Huancayo

Union Comercio have been poorly run this season, having made questionable decisions such as sacking off managers too early and bringing Manco and benching Miguel Carranza to accommodate a spot for him. Sport Huancayo on the other hand have been a poor away team, but there should be an exception here. Sport Huancayo to win this.

Sport Rosario vs Real Garcilaso

Sport Rosario have lost Ameli after the Torneo de Verano and have been a rather dull side throughout the season. They still have their players there but will decline over the course of the season. This will likely be a draw as Real Garcilaso have been a good team so far.

Universitario vs Deportivo Municipal

Universitario haven’t had the best of starts to the apertura, although it’s been a much better start than the one they had in the torneo de verano. Deportivo Municipal have been on good form on the other hand and will know they can get something out of this match. Tejada and Quintero are likely back for the home team before they head back to Panama for the Gold Cup in July. This will be another draw.

Ayacucho vs Melgar

Despite Melgar’s Torneo de Verano win, they have been in some poor form. Ayacucho have been doing well. Melgar’s team is far superior on paper but my prediction on this will be based on current form and Ayacucho should come out of this with the upset.

Alianza Atletico vs Juan Aurich

Juan Aurich were awful in the torneo de verano but have since sacked their manager Wilmar Valencia. They have been a bit better since while Alianza Atletico continue their bad run of form. While Juan Aurich have been good, I’m thinking this will be a draw just because Sullana are at home and will do their best to take advantage of that.

Sporting Cristal vs Alianza Lima

Here is the big one. Alianza Lima have had a great start to the season, while Sporting Cristal have had a real up and down form. Due to home advantage, Cristal will get a narrow win. It can go either way though really as Alianza have managed to win some tough away games. Particularly the ones against Universitario and Sport Huancayo. Leao Butron steps up in these games in net so if he manages to do so again, there is no reason La Blanquiazul can’t win. However, I’m still thinking that Los Cerveceros will take advantage of being at home and get the win.

Academia Cantolao vs Comerciantes Unidos

Cantolao have really missed Jose Manzaneda in the last game. Manzaneda was on international duty and he’s created practically all the chances in the last few matches for Jefferson Collazos who missed more than he’s scored. He’s unlikely to be back for this unless he’s not going to be given a rest by his manager. Anyhow, this should be a draw. Comerciantes aren’t great away from home but Cantolao also really rely on Manzaneda.

UTC vs Universidad San Martin de Porres

Universidad Tecnica Cajamarca have had another solid start to the season. Being at home in the altitude and San Martin likely without Alex Succar, it’s hard to see anything other than a home win. UTC are proving more and more that they are one of the favourites this year to win the title.