In the early hours of Thursday (GMT), Real Madriz host Chinandega in the Nicaraguan Primera Division. Both teams are still eying up a top-six spot to qualify for the second round of the competition.
The home side has slipped further off the pace in the race for one of those vital top six spots due to a poor recent run of form in the Nicaraguan top-flight.
In fact, Real Madriz have now won just two of their last 12 league matches. A 3-0 defeat at Juventus Managua last time out also means that they have now lost three of their last four league matches, having failed to win any games in the run.
Their anaemic displays in front of goal of late have been a big factor in their poor results, as they have failed to score in three league outings.
Real Madriz have won just three of their last ten home games. However, they are three games unbeaten in the top-flight on home soil, having recorded two wins and a draw. Their recent matches at home have been low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last five games.
Chinandega are in a stronger position than the home side to make the top-six, as they are just two points adrift of sixth-place Juventus Managua.
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The visitors like the hosts have suffered a dip in league form at a bad time of the season. A 3-1 home defeat against Real Esteli last time out was not just their second straight league defeat, but also meant that they have won just twice in eight Primera Division matches.
A horrendous away record of one win in their last 13 games on the road has not helped the visitors top-six chances either.
Forebet predicts that this game will end in a goalless draw, which in truth is a result that would help neither teams’ chances of meeting their objectives this season.