Once Caldas vs Santa Fe Prediction: Santa Fe to Win and Stay in the Top Eight Standings

In the upcoming fixture of Colombia Categoria A, Matchday 20, Once Caldas will be up against Santa Fe at the Estadio Palogrande in Manizales. With Once Caldas standing at the bottom of the points table with just 3 wins and 17 points, the upcoming matchup is likely to have Satna Fe as favorites. Santa Fe stands 7th with 7 wins and 26 points and will be hoping to win and cement its place in the top eight standings. Once Caldas and Santa Fe last played against each other in October 2022, and Santa Fe won (2-1). From the last four matches played between the two, Santa Fe has won twice, and Once Caldas has stood successful only once. Continue reading to find out more about the upcoming matchup. 

Going in the matchup, Once Caldas is coming in two consecutive draws, America de Cali (0-0) and Independiente Medellin (2-2). With three draws, a win, and a defeat in the last five matches played, Once Caldas will be hoping to produce a reasonable performance at the end of the Apertura season. Talking about the scoring average, Caldas has scored 5 goals in the last five matches played, averaging 1.00 goals per game. Compared to the scoring average, Once Caldas has conceded just 4 goals, averaging 0.80 goals per game. In the last two home matches, Once Caldas has managed to defeat Junior FC (2-0) and secure a draw against Chico FC (1-1). 

Eder Chaux; Jorge Cardona, Fainer Torijano, Andres Felipe Correa Osorio, Leyder Morán; Luis Felipe Perez Valencia, Dannovi Quiñones; Alejandro Garcia Castillo, Sherman Cardenas, David Lemos; Dayro Moreno.

Going in the matchup, Santa Fe is coming off a clean-sheet win against Atletico Huila (5-0), in which Fabian Sambueza started of the proceedings with the first goal in the 12th minute. Next, Santa Fe was gifted an own goal by Leonardo Escorcia in the 37th minute of play. Wilson Morelo scored another goal just before the halftime whistle, making it 3-0. Hugo Rodallega and Jose Enamorado also contributed, scoring one goal each in the second half of play. If Santa Fe manages to continue with the same performance, it can certainly stay active in the top eight standings. Santa Fe has scored 7 and conceded 5 goals in the last five matches played. Hence, Santa Fe will be looking forward to scoring two or more goals against Once Caldas. 

Juan Espitia; Fabian Viafara, Jose Manuel Aja Livchich, Marlon Torres, Fabio Delgado; Jonathan Barboza, Ivan Andres Rojas Vasquez; Fabian Sambueza, Hugo Rodallega, Jose Enamorado; Wilson Morelo.

Santa Fe has struggled in away encounters, as it has managed to win just one and draw four of the nine matches played this season. Hence, the visitors might have problems starting against Once Caldas. However, I am backing Santa Fe to win and consolidate its standing in the top eight. As Santa Fe has allowed goals at an average of 1.00 in the last five matches, I am expecting both teams to score. The match total is likely to be over 2.5 goals, and Santa Fe to win. Hugo Rodallega will be in the spotlight for scoring a goal anytime during the gameplay. 

• Santa Fe to Win for 2.60
• Total Over 2.5 for 2.18
• Hugo Rodallega To Score A Goal At Any Time - Yes for 3