Primera Division match prediction: Little separates Estudiantes Mérida and Portuguesa in quality

There’s little time for restitution or working hard at the training pitch these days, with both teams having played their last game less than four days ago.

Estudiantes Mérida form and stats

Estudiantes Mérida have played 11 Primera Division games at their own stadium so far this season, resulting in 5-4-2 (wins-draws-losses).

A draw after 90 minutes last time out for Estudiantes, who played 0-0 against Portuguesa. That match was also played at this venue (Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano de Mérida).

1-1 away at Hermanos Colmenares before that.

This is expected to be a close game, with Estudiantes Mérida perhaps considered small favourites due to their home advantage. Looking back at earlier matches similar to this one (expected to be close with Estudiantes Mérida as a small favourite), we find 23 games. Estudiantes Mérida has won 9 of these, drawn 8 and lost 6.

Estudiantes are certainly not overdoing their scoring at home in league matches, having created 16 goals in 11 games. Estudiantes Mérida have only conceded 9 from their league home games. For more goal stats, check the Statistics tab above.

Portuguesa form and stats

2-7-2 is the win-draw-loss statistic for Portuguesa in their Primera Division matches away. One point away has become something of a habit for Portuguesa who have played out draws in their last three away games.

Portuguesa have been frustrated by their lack of goals lately, as they haven't scored in the league since they found the net 206 minutes ago. Castillo was the goal scorer.

It's another away game for the visitors, as they travelled to Estudiantes Mérida (placed 9th) in their previous outing. The match ended in a draw 0-0.

Preceding that, the 0-1 home loss versus Carabobo.

So, this is expected to be a close game, an even contest. Looking at earlier matches with Portuguesa playing away and similar expectations, we found 14 relevant matches. Results were 4 Portuguesa wins, 5 draws and 5 defeats.

Low-scoring game? 9 of this side's last 11 league fixtures have had two or less goals.

Many goals are not expected from the visiting Portuguesa as they have only managed to score 10 times from 11 away games in the league. It's been trouble in front of goal recently, as only 0 of these goals has been scored in their last three away matches. Portuguesa are defending well in their away games, having conceded only 9 times in 11 matches. For more goal statistics, check out the Statistics tab above. There's been improvement defensively lately, as only 0 of these goals has been conceded in their last three away matches.

Head 2 Head

The records show that this isn''t the first time these sides get together this campaign, as the history books show this recent match: Portuguesa - Estudiantes Mérida 2-1. Numbers for the previous ten meetings involving these two squads are: two wins for Estudiantes, three draws and five wins for Portuguesa. Over 2,5 goals: four times; under 2,5 goals: six games. The games between these clubs have sometimes been hostile, having seen 5 red cards from the last ten duels.

Top Goalscorers

J. Vargas Rojas 6 goals

W. Jordán Gil 5 goals

A. Araque Peña 4 goals

Estudiantes Mérida missing players

Portuguesa missing players