- Match odds: Universitario de Deportes are the clear favorites to win, however, Cusco FC have the second best odds (7.2) behind the hosts.
- Betting lines: Under 2.5 goals are priced at 2.0 and Both Teams To Score: No is close behind, at 1.7.
Universitario de Deportes are a well-oiled machine
Recent form:
Universitario de Deportes enter Saturday's fixture unbeaten in 5, having won 2 and drawn 3 of those games, while Cusco FC arrive on the back of a two-game winning streak, after recording a 2-1 win away at ADT in the Liga 1 Clausura last weekend, and a 2-1 win at home to Sport Huancayo in the Liga 1 Apertura before that.
Tactical setup:
Héctor Cúper has moulded his team into a structure first side. Universitario are a compact, disciplined unit that maintain the appropriate spacing between the lines and have the ability to transition from defence to attack vertically when needed.
Universitario are a difficult side to break down because of their defensive order, as their 0-0 draw at home to Deportes Tolima in Group B of the Copa Libertadores demonstrates.
A cagey contest is the likely scenario
Cusco's approach:
Cusco FC are a useful counter-attacking side, who will try and spring fast when Universitario overcommit, although Javier Rabanal's men are a pragmatic side with a compact mid-block, a solid defence and some pace on the wings.
Match and market outlook:
Universitario's home record across all competitions is W2, D1 and L1, and they've conceded just 4 goals, which is an average of 1.00 per game.
Cusco have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their 5 away fixtures in all competitions, averaging just 0.80 goals per game away from home.
Under 2.5 goals at 2.0 looks a solid bet, as does Both Teams To Score: No at 1.7, as both of these selections work well as main selections, or as insurance for the home win.
The reverse fixture finished 1-1 in the Liga 1 Apertura back in May and have failed to beat Universitario in their last 2 attempts at their home.
- Cusco have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their 5 away fixtures in all competitions, while they average just 0.80 goals per game on their travels.
- Universitario de Deportes are the overwhelming favorites to take the points on Saturday, but this doesn't have the feel of a goal fest.
- The market is certainly on the tight side, with the home side available at just 1.37, Cusco FC at 7.2 and the draw at 4.55.
- The most likely script is a close home win, and possibly a low-scoring draw, as Universitario should have enough quality to win this fixture, if not blow it wide open.
- Alex Valera is their main danger man, with 2 goals in his last 5 appearances, 1 in 1 Liga 1 Clausura, but Cusco should be able to keep him and his teammates at arm's length for the most part.
