Copa Libertadores Preview: Universidad De Chile - Caracas

Starting Afresh With Pelusso

After a desperately poor performance in the 2009 Clausura, in which they finished in the bottom half of the table, Universidad de Chile have gone back to basics in 2010.

Sergio Markarian had won last year's Apertura before stepping down in the summer, but his replacement, Jose Basualdo, only lasted a few months before being sacked in November.

Markarian recommended that La U turn to Gerardo Pelusso, and the highly rated Uruguayan has not let the Chileans down so far. The former Danubio trainer has instilled an attacking philosophy into his side, which has particularly benefited Juan Manuel Olivera. The 28-year-old has found the net seven times in five games.

Like many South American sides, Universidad's defending can be somewhat chaotic. While El Leon may have scored 16 goals already this season, they have also conceded eight.

A home tie against Caracas is consequently a good way to ease themselves into the competition, although Pelusso has warned against underestimating the Venezuelans. La U are no strangers to the Copa Libertadores, but will need some bedding in time after the appointment of yet another coach.

Aiming To Repeat Last Year's Performance

Caracas have made a solid start to the Venezuelan Clausura after a disappointing end to last year's Apertura championship. Three defeats in the last four matches, including a home reverse to Deportivo Italia, meant that they finished two points behind champions Deportivo Tachira.

Rafael Castellin and Zamir Veloyes notched 18 goals between them - more than half of their team's total - and El Rojo will need the duo to maintain their good form if they are to make an impression on the Copa Libertadores.

Former River Plate midfielder Dario Figueroa has also been key to the Venezuelans' fortunes in the Clausura with three goals in four games.

It is in defence where Caracas have been impressive in recent years, however. They surprised many by reaching the quarter-finals of last year's tournament, where they were only eliminated by Gremio on away goals.

Jose Manuel Rey has led ably from the back, and he will be supported by their experienced new signing, Alejandro Cichero. The six-foot five-inch defender will have no problems bedding into the squad, as his younger brother Gabriel has been at the club since 2009.


FORM GUIDE

Universidad de Chile

February 13 v Santiago Wanderers (A) - DREW 3-3 (Chilean Apertura)

February 7 v Huachipato (H) - WON 3-0 (Chilean Apertura)

February 4 v Everton (A) - LOST 2-1 (Chilean Apertura)

January 31 v La Serena (A) - WON 4-2 (Chilean Apertura)

January 24 v Cobresal (H) - WON 5-1 (Chilean Apertura)

Caracas

February 12 v Mineros de Guayana (H) - WON 2-1 (Venezuelan Clausura)

February 7 v Monagas (A) - DREW 1-1 (Venezuelan Clausura)

January 23 v Trujillanos (H) - WON 3-1 (Venezuelan Clausura)

January 17 v Llaneros de Guanare (A) - DREW 1-1 (Venezuelan Clausura)

December 13 v Deportivo Anzoategui (A) - LOST 2-0 (Venezuelan Apertura)


TEAM NEWS

Universidad de Chile

First choice keeper Miguel Pinto is recovering from knee surgery and is likely to be sidelined for three or four weeks. However, Walter Montillo has shaken off a muscle problem and should be fit. Diego Rivarola will compete with new signing Gabriel Vargas for a place up front.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Conde; Contreras, Victorino, Olarra, Rojas; Fernandez, Seymour, Estrada; Montillo, Vargas, Olivera.

Caracas

Brothers Alejandro and Gabriel Cichero both have slight problems - a foot injury and hypoglycemia respectively - but are available to Noel Sanvicente. The coach has also called up promising striker Fernando Aristeguieta, who is likely to start on the bench.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Vega; Romero, A. Cichero, Rey, G. Cichero; Lucena, Jimenez, Gomez, Figueroa; Valoyes, Castellin.


PLAYERS TO WATCH