Teams had only a few days to recover from their weekend action, and
will have to be fit and focused for Wednesday’s third match day.
Leaders América de Cali, La Equidad and Boyacá Chicó will attempt to
remain at the top.
América, leaders based on goal record, aim to record their third consecutive win when they host Once Caldas. Surely, odds are in América’s favor the the visiting side will remember their 2-0 win over the current champions, in Manizales last August.
La Equidad should be able to earn three points from their clash with Deportivo Pasto, who drew their previous two games and in fact haven’t won a single match since September, when they defeated La Equidad — of all clubs — in Bogotá.
Boyacá Chicó travel to face Envigado, whom they haven’t lost to since 2004. OF the six encounters since, the Tunja outfit won four and two ended in a draw. Envigado will be happy to be here in the first place, as they only just escaped relegation last season.
Deportivo Cali should be confident following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Independiente Medellín, and travel to visit Deportivo Pereira, who have yet to record their first victory of the season. Because of their home advantage, odds slightly favor Pereira but a draw seems likely.
Atlético Nacional occupy the bottom spot after having lost its first two games, and face a very tough task at Junior Barranquilla. In direct encounters, Juniors have proven to do well against Nacional, who haven’t won in the coastal town since 2004.
Independiente Medellín haven’t had the start they hoped for and are currently in 17th place, only ahead of arch rivals Nacional. Wednesday’s opponents Real Cartagena beat Envigado on Sunday to celebrate their first victory since winning promotion to the country’s top flight. DIM should be able to win, although Cartagena might just have more confidence.
Santa Fé host Atlético Huila in Bogotá and are favored to win this game. In fact, the six-times champions beat Huila in three of the last four encounters and were held to a draw once. One would have to go back to 2003 to find Huila’s most recent win over Santa Fé at El Campín stadium.
Deportes Quindío held Millonarios to a draw on Sunday and are favorites to win their game with Cúcuta Deportivo. However, Quindío might have started the year with two draws but haven’t won any of their last six games. Cúcuta haven’t done much better though and it looks like whoever loses this game, could be in real trouble.
An unfortunate own goal from Iván Hurtado cost Millonarios two points against Quindío, and the Bogotá outfit will aim to make up for it when they visit Deportes Tolima in Ibagué. It won’t be easy though, as Millonarios may have an edge over Tolima based on recent matches haven’t been able to win in Ibagué in quite a while. As a result, Tolima are favorites for this game but a draw isn’t unlikely either.
