Atletico Nacional de Medellin vs Deportes Tolima
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Today’s featured game is the Colombian Primera A game between Atletico Nacional de Medellin and Deportes Tolima. I’d class both sides as heavyweights of the division but it’s not for no reason that this division is known as one of the hardest in the world – most sides in it have won it and these two are no exception.
I quite like Atletico Nacional, as far as Colombian sides go. They’ve changed from the boring side they were a few years ago into a much more attack-orientated side and although their defending has suffered as a result, they are scoring more goals and they are more entertaining so there are arguably more positives than negatives. Atletico Nacional’s midfield has suffered a few casualties pre-season and looks a shade weak, however, and they’re relying a lot on their two strikers Renteria and Pabon as a result. They’re two good strikers, though, especially pacey and powerful Renteria. There is ability in this team, contrary to their run of late, and I think they’ve got the perfect opportunity to show that here.
Deportes Tolima don’t usually fare well in Medellin and I expect another tough game tonight. I mean, it’s rare enough to find a Colombian away win anywhere as it is but when you consider that Deportes Tolima play at altitude in Ibague, they have a harder trip than the average Primera A side do away from home, hence their horrendous away record. Additionally, they’ve got three huge absentees here with their only reliable defender – Vallejo – and their two essential midfielders – Marugo and Bolivar – all absent for this game due to their international game just a couple of days ago against Argentina. The visitors can be tough customers but only on their own turf – they lose a great deal of their away games and I think this will be yet another defeat for the visitors.
There’s not much around today and Colombia is not a place to stick heavy bets on but I do like the odds on an Atletico win here, despite the absence of Pabon. They’re better than their home record suggests and their visitors are vulnerable for varying reasons so my call is the home win here.
Verdict: Atletico Nacional de Medellin to win at 11/10.
Thursday’s Picks
As ever, if there are any explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today’s games, see below, although I feel compelled to write that the below are not necessarily my tips but merely my thoughts to prevent endless questions about my thoughts on certain games!
Copa Sudamericana:
Libertad Asuncion vs Liga de Quito (5) 1-1
Universidad de Chile vs Arsenal de Sarandi (7) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Brazilian Serie A:
Santos vs Atletico Goianiense (8) over 2.5 goals
Flamengo vs Figueirense (6) 2-1
Atletico Mineiro vs Coritiba (6) 2-2
Colombian Primera A:
Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota vs Boyaca Chico (5) 2-1
Atletico Nacional de Medellin vs Deportes Tolima (7) 1-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!