Torneo de Verano Preview: Looking Ahead to the Final Weekend

Saturday

Alianza Atletico vs Union Comercio

Both these teams broke their bad runs last weekend with both teams picking up wins. A draw seems most likely to be the result. Alianza Atletico still have a lot of convincing to do and while Union Comercio aren’t much better in that aspect, they have a stronger squad and are more than capable of getting a result in Sullana.
Universidad San Martin de Porres vs Ayacucho FC

It will be very surprising if USMP don’t pick up a result here. While this has been said about Ayacucho many times, the home team are stronger and have good home form having only lost 3. The other 4 matches all resulted in wins. Against Ayacucho, they’ll be favourites and will be looking out for the win.

Universitario vs Comerciantes Unidos

La U have shown some midfield fragility and a lack of depth in that area. With Arquimedes Figuera injured, there’s not really been a backup who has replaced him well. Universitario should win this game as Comerciantes aren’t great away from home, but it’s unlikely it will be a smashing. A narrow scoreline or by 2 goals seems most likely.

Sunday

Sport Huancayo vs Deportivo Municipal

Alianza Lima have shown that winning at the Estadio Huancayo is possible. Sport Huancayo are the best home team in the league, and while Municipal will know that they have a chance to take all 3, the home side are still more likely to take it. There may be a bit of demoralisation with them having no chance to reach the final and having recently been knocked out in the Copa Sudamericana vs Nacional de Potosi, but they’ll still fancy their chances.

Sporting Cristal vs Melgar

Melgar will likely rest players in this match. They have already qualified for the final with a draw against Ayacucho in a match that was supposed to be played last month. They have a Libertadores game next Thursday against River Plate and will have their focus on both that and the upcoming Torneo de Verano final. Sporting Cristal on the other hand, are in awful form at the moment and there’s also rumours of bad harmony within the dressing room. Mostly with goalkeeper Mauricio Viana not getting along with a lot of the team. Despite Los Cerveceros’ concerns, Melgar’s depth is concerning. Not having great replacements to Dawhling Leudo, Omar Fernandez or Emanuel Herrera. This is all assuming they decide to rest their key players and because of that this one should be a very narrow home win.

Sport Rosario vs Academia Cantolao

Sport Rosario will likely be demoralised from not being able to qualify for the final which they looked on course to do a few points throughout the season. Academia Cantolao are enjoying their football. The altitude will always affect teams from the coastal areas but this one should be a draw. More than likely low scoring or scoreless.

Universidad Tecnica Cajamarca vs Alianza Lima

This could have been a decisive clash. It’s all a little too late for La Blanquiazul however. UTC are already qualified for the final as they are 4 points ahead of Alianza with one match to go. Alianza will surprise and win this as they’ve hit some recent form and won their last games in an impressive fashion.

Real Garcilaso vs Juan Aurich

Real Garcilaso should walk away disappointed if they don’t manage to win. Aurich have slowly been improving but will be playing in Sicuany which is one of the highest points in the Primera Division and are inferior to the home side anyways. A comfortable home win seems most likely here.