Torneo de Verano Preview: Can Alianza get back to winning ways?

Academia Cantolao vs Union Comercio

The 2 teams are most likely to cancel each other out and draw. Union Comercio was the team that took last week off and although Cantolao have been playing well, Union Comercio aren’t a bad side and they are always capable of surprising. This one will be a draw.

Melgar vs Alianza Atletico

Alianza Atletico have been in dreadful form, and this is the worst match they could have asked for. Away to Melgar they are unlikely to get anything and the home side should take the win here. Melgar have lost the last 3 but those 3 were lost in the Libertadores against superior opposition, whereas Alianza Atletico de Sullana are looking like the favourites to go down.

Deportivo Municipal vs Universidad Tecnica Cajamarca

Municipal have been disappointing in this campaign, but they seem to finally have clicked. With 2 wins in the last 2 matches, they will continue their good form here and win again. UTC have been good this Torneo de Verano but Municipal as a side overall are stronger and with home advantage they should take the win.

Ayacucho vs Sporting Cristal

Sporting Cristal have a knack of holding onto the ball a lot but not finishing their chances. Ayacucho may not be the strongest of opposition but they are good at home and for that the 2 teams will cancel out and draw. Cristal’s quality will find them at least 1 point in the match as will Ayacucho’s good home form.

Real Garcilaso vs Universitario

Universitario have been brilliant since Pedro Troglio has taken over. If there’s any match left that they will lose however, it’s this one. Sicuany is near the Cuzco area which is always difficult for clubs from Lima to play in and Real Garcilaso have a good squad that will finish top half this season. Pedro Troglio will receive his first loss here as La U’s manager.

Juan Aurich vs Sport Huancayo

This one is a tough call. This is Sport Huancayo’s chance to get their first win away from home. Juan Aurich haven’t been great but they’ve played well the last 2 matches even if they lost one of those. Juan Aurich will win. Sport Huancayo will continue their poor away form and Aurich will get closer to the other teams in the table

Alianza Lima vs Comerciantes Unidos

Alianza have been poor since the international break. However, at home against Comerciantes Unidos there shouldn’t be an excuse. Alianza Lima should win this match and close the gap with UTC to get closer to that first spot.

Sport Rosario vs Universidad San Martin de Porres

Sport Rosario should take advantage of the altitude and win this match. San Martin haven’t been great away from home. Although this should only be a narrow win as Sport Rosario seem to be very defensive. Alexander Succar is back for San Martin after being unable to play last week to Cristal due to it being his parent club.

Brian and Peter Gallido recorded the podcast below, focusing on Peru’s U23 team. Take a listen, learn more about football in Peru.