Two camps who will get their respective Copa Libertadores adventure underway in the early hours of Friday, Boca Juniors will welcome O'Higgins to Argentina.
While the 2026 World Cup might have drawn to a dramatic close last week, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker:Â 1xBet
Boca Juniors
Starting with the hosts, while Boca Juniors might have just about dragged themselves to a Copa Libertadores knockout stage ticket this summer, the Argentinian giants have come under plenty of recent scrutiny. Despite extending on their Copa Argentina adventure last time out as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Sarmiento Junin, Rodolfo Arruabarrena's men are desperately searching for some crucial stability going forward. Drawing a line under their Copa Libertadores group stage charge with a downbeat 1-0 loss at home against Chile-based outfit Universidad Catolica prior to the summer interval, Boca have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous five competitive appearances across all competitions. Knowing the importance of claiming an essential first-leg advantage here, Friday's hosts will be firmly under the microscope.
Boca Juniors Team News
Still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Boca Juniors will once again be without veteran goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin this weekend. However, Chile international Carlos Palacios has overcome his own respective knee issue and should get some more minutes under his belt here.
Not featuring across any completion since back in February, Boca will be unable to call upon the services of former PSG and Manchester United superstar Edison Cavani in the early hours of Friday.
O'Higgins
As for the visitors, while O'Higgins might have secured a bronze medal finish among Chile's elite last season, Lucas Bovaglio's camp find themselves in an almost identical position to Friday's opponents. However, producing a real Copa de la Liga comeback last week as they edged past Nublense following a nail-biting penalty shootout victory, La Celeste have shown some real signs of life over the past month. Getting July underway with a real statement as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp at home against bitter domestic foes Colo Colo, O'Higgins have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Despite travelling to Argentina pencilled in as a major underdog contender here, Bovaglio's side will be smelling the chance to spring a famous upset on foreign soil.
O'Higgins Team News
Notching three goals in his previous four appearances across all competitions, Paraguayan marksman Arnaldo Castillo will lead O'Higgins' charge in the final third and spearhead Bovaglio's attack.
Completing a free switch ahead of the 2026 campaign, former Godoy Cruz man Bastian Yanez will feature here. Settling for a spot on the bench during O'Higgins' Copa de la Liga adventure this month, number one goalkeeper Jorge Benito Canales will return between the sticks.
Boca Juniors vs O'Higgins Key Factors to Consider
- Friday's showdown in Argentina will be the first meeting between Boca Juniors and O'Higgins.
- Boca have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous five competitive appearances across all competitions.
- O'Higgins have won three of their previous four matchups across all formats.
- Friday's guests have mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous eight consecutive appearances.
- Four of Boca's last five competitive showdowns have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Boca might open their first-leg showdown in the early hours of Friday, the Argentinian giants will have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Mustering just a sole win from any of their previous five competitive appearances across all competitions, Arruabarrena's side are desperately searching for some crucial stability. It should be noted, with Boca seeing four of their last five showdowns finish with under 2.5 goals, we could be set for a cagey affair in Buenos Aires.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker:Â 1xBet
