Alianza Look to Keep Run Going as Melgar take on Sporting Cristal
Friday, June 23rd
Universidad San Martin de Porres vs Academia Cantolao
Essentially a neutral game due to both teams playing at the Miguel Grau in Callao for their home games. One team is bottom (Cantolao), and the other one is the penultimate team (San Martin). Both will feel they can win, but if I had to give an edge I’d go for a Cantolao win. José Manzaneda is a very tough player to stop if he’s on form.
Saturday, June 24th
Ayacucho FC vs Juan Aurich
Ayacucho have been a decent home side and while they definitely have a better and more experienced squad than Los Chiclayanos, I can see a draw. Juan Aurich have started off a lot better and are a different team than what they were in the Torneo de Verano. Rick Campodonico will be a player to watch as he’s been Aurich’s most interesting asset to their campaign with his box to box elements and some of the distance he can cover.
Deportivo Municipal vs Alianza Atletico
Alianza Atletico stay in Lima after getting a draw against Universitario at the Monument al. The outcome likely won’t be the same here however. With 7 points to start off the campaign and in the last 3 matches, La Academia is in good form. Alianza Atletico are one of the prime candidates to get relegated, and while they may have gotten a draw against what is arguably the biggest team in Peru, they won’t repeat it here. Municipal to win by a somewhat big scoreline.
Melgar vs Sporting Cristal
Both teams have been in poor form – or rather up and down form. I can see FBC Melgar clicking for this game and getting back to the team they were in the Torneo de Verano. Cristal have been awful away from home and change doesn’t look to be a factor any time soon. Depending on the unpredictable rotations from Melgar’s manager Juan Reynoso, Los Arequipeños should win this. It’s most likely all their stars will start against the defending champions so anything other than a win for the home side will be a surprise.
Sunday, June 25th
Real Garcilaso vs UTC Cajamarca
UTC’s run will come to an end here. Real Garcilaso are usually strong at home and with a new manager in Grioni, they are a dark horse to win the title. UTC won’t roll over and it will be a close game but my money is in for a home win.
Sport Huancayo vs Universitario
At over 3000 metres above sea level, Huancayo should continue their excellent home form over an underachieving Universitario side. Los Merengues have been dropping far too many points with 3 straight draws and they will likely pay the price now having to play at the Estadio Huancayo, arguably the toughest ground for an away team to win at. Universitario will be missing Quintero due to the gold cup yet again but otherwise they will have their strongest lineup although it won’t be enough. A home win is most likely.
Alianza Lima vs Sport Rosario
Sport Rosario keep on losing their team from the Torneo de Verano. First Ameli their manager and now Diego Chavez. They have a lot of good youngsters on loan. Alianza Lima should win the match though. Sport Rosario have been rather dull so I can see a very narrow win for Los Blanquiazules. Alianza have been the best team so far in this aperture and will battle it out with UTC and possibly the tough to beat away team Comerciantes Unidos.
Monday, June 26th
Comerciantes Unidos vs Union Comercio
The visitors are on a high after recently beating Sport Huancayo 4-0 at home, so a shock draw could be on the cards. They have a better squad than Comerciantes although winning in Cutervo is no easy task. For my money, I’d say a draw.