Peruvian side Melgar entertain Vasco da Gama in the first round of group games in this season's Copa Sudamericana, and we're bringing you our tips and predictions for Wednesday's clash.
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Melgar vs Vasco da Gama prediction: Possible stalemate on the cards?
Key Stats
- This Vasco da Gama side boasts two former Premier League stars in the form of Philippe Coutinho and Dimitri Payet both of whom add creativity as well as a goal threat for the visitors.
- Melgar has only failed to score in one of their last six matches across all competitions.
- Vasco da Gama have scored in all bar one of their last six matches in league and cup.
Correct score prediction: Melgar 1-1 Vasco da Gama
We're expecting the opening group game between these two sides to prove tight and tense throughout as neither side will want to give anything away for cheap and getting at least one point on the board will set both teams up heading into matchday two.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Melgar the bookmaker's choice
- HOME: 27/20 (2.35) – 42.6%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Melgar are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 42.6% but we are predicting a tight and tense 90 minutes between the two clubs.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Never met before
Melgar might never have played against Vasco da Gama before but they have faced Brazilian opposition on 11 previous occasions, picking up three wins, one draw and suffering seven defeats.
Melgar preview: Hoping to make the most of their home advantage
Melgar will have been disappointed to have slipped at the final hurdle in the Copa Libertadores qualifiers, losing out to Cerro Porteno of Paraguay over two legs.
The Paraguans claimed a 1-0 win at home before thrashing Melgar 4-2 in their own backyard to run out 5-2 winners on aggregate. Melgar did secure a 3-2 victory in the league at the weekend, maintaining their unbeaten start in Liga 1.
Predicted lineup: Caceda (GK), Barrios, Gonzalez, Cabanillas, Rodríguez, Orzan, Martínez, Tandazo, Rodríguez, Bordacahar & Liza
Peru Liga 1 14/04/25
L
Universitario de Deportes
4
FBC Melgar
1
Copa Sudamericana 10/04/25
L
Lanus
3
FBC Melgar
0
Peru Liga 1 05/04/25
W
AD Tarma
0
FBC Melgar
4
Copa Sudamericana 02/04/25
D
Vasco da Gama
3
FBC Melgar
3
Peru Liga 1 27/03/25
W
Ayacucho FC
2
FBC Melgar
3
Vasco da Gama preview: Off to a winning start in Serie A
Philippe Coutinho started for Vasco da Gama at home against Santos on Sunday night, helping his team to secure a 2-1 victory.
The former Liverpool icon watched as his team fell behind in the 21st minute, but Vasco da Gama showed great character to fight back with two second-half goals, the winner being setup by Coutinho's replacement Payet.
Predicted lineup: Jardim (GK), Lemos, Henrique, Piton, Victor, Coutinho, Moreira, Garré, Paulinho, Moura & Vegetti
Brazil Serie A 13/04/25
W
Sport Recife
1
Vasco da Gama
3
Copa Sudamericana 09/04/25
W
Academia Puerto Cabello
0
Vasco da Gama
1
Brazil Serie A 05/04/25
L
Corinthians
3
Vasco da Gama
0
Copa Sudamericana 02/04/25
D
FBC Melgar
3
Vasco da Gama
3
Brazil Serie A 30/03/25
W
Santos
1
Vasco da Gama
2
Player to watch: Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho made the move back to his homeland with Vasco da Gama in 2024, scoring twice in 15 appearances in Serie A that year.
The 32-year-old featured in eight of Vasco's Carioca Serie A games in 2025, scoring two goals, and started the opening game of the new Serie A season against Santos on Sunday.
Will the former Liverpool and Barcelona star shine against Melgar?
We're backing Coutinho to show his class in Peru on Wednesday night, helping to guide Vasco da Gama to a positive result in the Copa Sundamericana.