Melgar vs Universidad San Martin Betting Tips and Predictions

Melgar have had a difficult start to the Clausura phase of the Copa Movistar (Peruvian Primera Division), playing 3 of the strongest teams in the league (Sporting Cristal, Sport Huancayo and Universitario) over their opening 7 fixtures. Melgar have taken 9 points from these 7 matches (W2 D3 L2), with both defeats against the current top 2 teams. Melgar now rank 5th in the overall standings, just 2 points behind 4th placed Deportivo Municipal and the playoff positions.

Universidad San Martin, contrastingly, are fighting for survival in the relegation zone, placed 15th in the overall league table and 1 point behind La Bocana and safety. Their start to the Clausura has been as equally unconvincing as their performances from earlier in 2016, though they have kept themselves in with a fighting chance by taking 5 points from their last 4 matches (W1 D2 L1).

Both Melgar and Universidad are missing crucial players, due to suspension, heading into this match: Melgar are without Argentinian striker and top goalscorer Bernardo Cuesta and Universidad are also without their attacking midfielder and top goalscorer Cristian Ortiz. Universidad have failed to score in 5 of their last 6 away matches and with Ortiz missing, alongside a few other core players mention below, it seems unlikely this form will change. Melgar are missing their key striker though, and as such the home advantage and form should be enough for them to clinch a tidy win. Combining that analysis with the statistics below, we expect under 2.5 goals to be the safe bet with Melgar to win 1-0 at 6/1 to be a top value correct score bet.

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