Libertad vs Sao Paulo Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Copa Libertadores

Libertad vs Sao Paulo Preview

• Tournament: Copa Libertadores
• Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 9 PM Asunción (12:30 AM GMT)

• Venue: Estadio Dr. Nicolas Leoz, Asuncion

  The Libertad vs Sau Paulo clash will take place in the Copa Libertadores group stages at the Estadio Dr. Nicolas Leoz stadium on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. Libertad look to continue their perfect record in the group stages, while the Brazilian giants look to assume control of the top spot in the group.

  The Paraguayan heavyweights have had an impressive start to their Copa Libertadores campaign, having won both games without even conceding a single goal and scoring three goals, soaring them to first place. Incidentally, both their wins have come at their home ground and they are currently in first place in the Division Professional as well.

  Libertad, however, will face a significantly stronger challenge against a side like Sao Paulo. The Paraguayan side must play to their strengths, which includes maintaining a stubborn defensive line to frustrate the visitors and force them into errors. They must take up their chances on the counterattacks and convert opportunities to keep their winning run going.

  Sao Paulo, on the other hand, have had a bit of a topsy-turvy beginning to their Copa Libertadores campaign. They've won one game and been held in the other, keeping them in second place in the group with four points from two games. They've also had a shaky start to their Brazilian league campaign, with four draws from the first four matches.

  The Brazilian side did, however, win their away game in the Copa Libertadores opener. They need to play to their strengths to break Libertad's resolve and find their strong footing in the Copa Libertadores. Sao Paulo will look to hurt the Paraguayan side with their innovative attacking style, and need to be at their clinical best to get a big win on the road.

Libertad Team News

Sergio Aquino is fortunate enough that there are no injuries to his squad for the moment. There are no card suspensions ruling out any player for the time being either. That means he should have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Sao Paulo Team News

Sao Paulo, on the other hand, have been impacted by some major injuries. The likes of Lucas Moura (knee), Oscar (hamstring), Luiz Gustafo (lung) and Jonathan Calleri (knee) are all expected to be out of action for this one. Even midfielder Pablo Maia (knee) and goalkeeper Young (foot) are unavailable for this one.

Libertad vs Sao Paulo Predicted Lineups

Libertad Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Rodrigo Morinigo

Defenders: Ivan Ramirez, Diego Viera, Thomas Gutierrez, Nestor Gimenez

Midfielders: Angel Lucena, Hernesto Caballero, Ivan Franco

Forwards: Marcelo Fernandez, Lorenzo Melgarejo, Roque Santa Cruz

Sao Paulo Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Rafael

Defenders: Cedric Soares, Robert Arboleda, Alan Franco, Wendell

Midfielders: Alisson, Marcos Antonio, Luciano Neves

Forwards: Lucas Ferreira, Ferreira, Andre Silva

Libertad vs Sao Paulo Head-to-Head Record

These two sides have faced off against each other on just two occasions in their history. Out of that, Libertad have won once and Sao Paulo have also won just one time.

Key Players to Watch in Libertad vs Sao Paulo

Ivan Franco (Libertad)

The 24-year-old Paraguayan has been a bright player for Libertad in the Copa Libertadores campaign so far. He has a decent 0.61 xG (expected goals), in which he's scored one goal.

The 24-year-old is averaging two shots per game, with a 25% goal conversion rate. He'll look to be a menace for the Brazilian side's backline by making some smart darting runs into the box to amplify his side's attacking prowess. Franco will look to create chances with his clever delivery into the final third, but he'll be particularly determined to nail his movement and get at the end of opportunities to score once again in the competition.

Ferreira (Sao Paulo)

Ferreira has been a bright spark for Sao Paulo in their Copa Libertadores campaign, being their focal point in the attack. The winger has managed to overperform his 0.40 xG by scoring two goals in as many games, boasting a brilliant 100% goal conversion rate!

He'll look to maintain his clinical form by getting at the end of chances and utilizing his excellent finishing skills to blast powerful shot past the opposition keeper. Moreover, the 27-year-old should also look to create more chances and get proactively involved in the attacking patterns to help his side get a big win.

Libertad vs Sao Paulo Prediction

These two teams have had pretty impressive starts to their Copa Libertadores group stages, which is why this clash should be a particularly eventful one. Libertad will take the fight to Sao Paulo as they've to entertain the home fans, but the Brazilian side will not back down without a fight.

It should be a pretty thrilling contest in which both teams should have plenty of goal-scoring opportunities and be involved in some drama. Because of Libertad's home form and Sao Paulo's abiltiy to make surprises, this could end up being a goal-scoring draw.

Prediction: Libertad 1-1 Sao Paulo

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