Previewing Peru’s weekend action as Alianza look to bounce back

Alianza Atletico vs Sport Rosario

Alianza Atletico de Sullana have been proving they are one of the contenders to go down, however at home they will probably win this. It’s a match that can go either way but the home side should be the favourites here. Only a narrow win is likely as Sport Rosario have proven to be quite a defensive team. They’ve been involved in many low scoring games.

Player to watch: Pablo Lavandeira

No player stands out here other than Lavandeira. A boring answer but he’s the best player on either team. As mentioned in previous previews and roundups, he’s the heart of the Sport Rosario team. He creates most of the chances for the team, contributes to the build-up play and has had his own chances which some have gone in. He’s not been on the best form since the international break but this is a good chance to retain that form.

Universidad San Martin de Porres vs Sporting Cristal

While San Martin have been good at home, they will be missing their key forward in Alexander Succar for this. Succar is on loan from Cristal and there is a clause that doesn’t let him play against his parent team. For this reason, Sporting Cristal should win this. Succar is key in how San Martin play and also in scoring goals and while they have other good players, it’s a big loss and a Sporting Cristal win is likely. It should also be noted that Cristal’s manager Chemo del Solar goes on big winning runs, or big winless runs and it’s been like that for years at other clubs. Sporting Cristal have started a winning run recently, and based on that usual pattern it’s likely it will continue for a bit more.

Player to watch: Pedro Aquino

Pedro Aquino isn’t an easy player to notice because of his position, but this is a good match to pick him out as Universidad San Martin have a good midfield in Junior Ponce and Wilder Cartagena. Not only that, but he had a superb match against Alianza Atletico de Sullana where his anticipation was spot on and won everything in the midfield. Expectation is continuing to build on Pedro.

Ayacucho vs Academia Cantolao

This may be in the altitude, but it’s not as high as a few other cities. Academia Cantolao have struggled to find consistent points but they have been playing well and their position in the table does not do their performances justice. Ayacucho are the favourites to win this game especially seeing how they beat Cantolao 3-1 in the earlier match, but this time it will probably be different. Academia Cantolao will shock Ayacucho and win this.

Player to watch: Jeferson Collazos

Jeferson Collazos isn’t a great player, but he’s being used correctly by Cantolao’s manager Silvestri. He has a lot of limitations and mostly in his technical ability. However, he’s fast and strong and he knows how to round the keeper and get in position. He’s been picked out because he’s on good form. With 5 goals in the league, 4 of them have come from since the beginning of March (4 matches). Due to his tactical awareness, he’ll be one to watch out for in this clash.

Comerciantes Unidos vs Juan Aurich

Anything but a Comerciantes win, and the home side will be disappointed. Juan Aurich have a very nice young team, but the problem is that it’s too young of a side. They’ve played well but the lack of experience has really shown in the past few games and they really lack the cutting edge. Comerciantes have always been a home team. Last season they only lost 1 game at home. It’s been a bit different this time, but they are still tough to beat in Cutervo. Comerciantes Unidos will probably win here and continue that run.

Player to watch: William Palacios

Most of Comerciantes’ flair comes from William Palacios. He is another player being picked out due to good form, and he stands out between the 2 teams. With the home side likely to look for the victory, they will begin attacks through Palacios who is a fast player with the most flair on the Comerciantes team.

Universitario vs Universidad Tecnica Cajamarca

Universitario looked completely different with Pedro Troglio the other day against Alianza Lima. Much more organised and players playing to their strengths now. Universitario will win here. As UTC have proven, they are a good team and have the second best Peruvian manager in Franco Navarro (behind Juan Reynoso). This will certainly be no walkover for La U, but they should gather another win and make a statement reminding the league who they are, regardless of their poor start.

Player to watch: Arquimedes Figuera

Figuera is not only being picked out because of his great performance against Alianza Lima, but also because he will have the role of stopping Juan Pablo Vergara, who has been UTC’s best and most influential player so far this season. Figuera in the last match proved he was more than just a defensive player, helping start attacks as well. He is the sort of player Pedro Troglio likes at least based off his style of play in the last match.

Sport Huancayo vs Real Garcilaso

The Estadio Huancayo is a fortress in Peru. Sport Huancayo who have a good squad take advantage of playing at home. Real Garcilaso haven’t been very good of late. They’ve had a great start but have disappointed since the 4-1 loss at home against UTC back on February 26th. However, despite all of this, Real Garcilaso have what it takes to get a draw. Huancayo have just as much quality as the away side but the bad run has to end somewhere for them and they will sneak a draw in this match.

Player to watch: Antonio Meza-Cuadra

Sport Huancayo’s main goalscorer is Meza-Cuadra. He’s 34 years old and has always been a proven goalscorer at this level. He was suspended for the last match but he’s back here and he’ll be looking to break his bad run as he’s scored 2 goals this season and both were in the same match.

Deportivo Municipal vs Alianza Lima

Municipal alongside Universitario has been the disappointment of the Torneo de Verano. They sit bottom third with 11 points and have been a disappointment considering all their signings and their campaign last year. Alianza Lima despite their superclasico struggles are second with 15 points and have been clinical. They’ve not been too impressive overall but they have been finishing their chances. The 2 teams are likely to cancel out here in a draw.

Player to watch: Freddy Alvarez

Not many Costa Ricans ply their trade in Peru. Alvarez is one that decided to try it. He’s not the most recognisable player here but he’s an interesting one. He’s an attacking minded midfielder and scored in the last match against Juan Aurich. He’s slowly won himself a starting spot and will be hoping to continue impressing.