In-Form Universidad Catolica Set Sights on Another Win

Universidad Catolica head into the game in strong form and with the league's most potent attack in the first half of the season. Deportes La Serena have struggled for wins, especially away from home, making the hosts the preferred pick.

By 7MTHScore Staff

Team news: Universidad Catolica will be without injured forward Diego Valencia and defender Astaburuaga.

For Deportes La Serena, winger Orllus has yet to recover, while the club has also signed Inias Osses from Universidad de Chile.

Universidad Catolica have no suspended players and no major selection doubts, but Diego Valencia (cruciate ligament), Astaburuaga (cruciate ligament), Gary Medel? (tear), Aravena? (unspecified), and Montes (right foot) are listed as injured or unavailable.

Deportes La Serena also have no suspensions or major doubts, with Orllus their only confirmed absentee for unspecified reasons.

Main pick: Home win.

Universidad Catolica, currently second in the league table, are in strong form, having won three of their last four league matches. That run includes a 5-1 home victory over Universidad de Concepcion in their most recent outing. They scored 35 goals in the first half of the season, the highest total in the Chilean top flight, with captain and leading scorer Zampedri contributing 15 of them. They have also lost only two of seven home league matches this season.

Deportes La Serena have won just one of their last six league games, including a 1-1 away draw against Audax Italiano in their latest match. They currently sit in the lower half of the Chilean Primera Division table. Given Universidad Catolica's reliable attacking threat, they are expected to beat a La Serena side that has struggled on the road.

Head-to-head: In the first meeting between the sides this season, Universidad Catolica drew 2-2 away from home. In league meetings last season, each team won once.