Boca Juniors vs Corinthians Preview

Topics: Boca Juniors, Corinthians, Copa Libertadores

Boca Juniors will be hoping to avenge their final defeat to Corinthians last year when the sides meet in the opening leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 stage at the Bombonera stadium on Wednesday.

Argentine giants Boca Juniors take on world champions Corinthians in the opening leg of the Round of 16 stage of the 2013 Copa Libertadores at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

The clash brings together two of South America's biggest clubs, meaning that fans can expect an action-packed encounter.

What adds an extra dimension to the game is the fact that Corinthians beat Boca Juniors in the final of the 2012 Copa Libertadores. The first leg at the Bombonera ended in a 1-1 draw, while the Brazilians defeated Boca 2-0 at the Pacaembu stadium in the return leg, thanks to two goals from striker Emerson.

Boca, who have lifted the Copa Libertadores six times, have been struggling enormously this season under Carlos Bianchi and a poor domestic campaign means that their main priority is the Copa Libertadores.

Bianchi, who is much of the reason for Boca's rich history in the competition, will be delighted by the fact that playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme will return to action for the clash, even if the Boca captain isn't at 100% fitness.

The only absentee will be injured defender Matias Caruzzo, whose most likely replacement will be Lisandro Magallan.

Bianchi's desired strike-force will feature Juan Manuel Martinez, formerly of Corinthians, and Nicolas Blandi. Uruguayan striker Santiago Silva, who played a key role in taking Boca to the Copa Libertadores final last year, will once again take his seat on the bench.

Corinthians, who advanced to the Paulista Championship semi-finals after their 4-0 victory over Ponte Preta on the weekend, will rate their chances of picking up a positive result at the Bombonera, even if they count with a less illustrious Copa Libertadores history when compared to their rivals.

Besides midfielder Renato Augusto, Tite, the coach of Corinthians, will be able to count with a full-strength squad for the clash. Renato Augusto is still recovering from a muscular injury.

Corinthians will take the field with a three-man attack, where Paulo Guerrero will be the target man, with Romarinho and Emerson playing slightly deeper roles.

Alexandre Pato, who joined the club from AC Milan, will have to wait for his opportunity from the substitute's bench.