FPC Roundup: Ditto.

By: Lugo | May 5th, 2008

Remember last week’s post? Well, the traffic jam’s still on. It just has different names, and a team like the two-time defending champion, Atletico Nacional, that is remarkably higher on the standing that two matches ago. The greens, because of what they were showing on the field, were candidates for certain elimination, but now, thanks to Villagra’s recent form and his wonderful strike of yesterday, Nacional is one of the front runners for qualification, altough it’s still in the middle of the jam. Here are the standings

The good thing is that there are a few more names to the elimination list. (I know that’s not too good for the fans of those teams, but still) Once Caldas, Cucuta and Pasto’s chances are slim to none while Junior, Pereira and Tolima are absolutely out of the picture. Therefore, this whole affair, with two games to go and 4 spots remaining, will be contested by the following:

Deportivo Cali:

A win, and the greens are in. Nevertheless is should not come easy having to face away Quindio, a team that is very much alive. TV- Worthy game.

America de Cali:

Unlike their city rivals, America must get at least 4 points in these two games to secure their place. The first three, however, seem guaranteed having to face a Pasto side that will be fighting for pretty much nothing.

Atlético Nacional:

The greens’ recent revival must continue not only at home but in libertadores as well, where they will have to overcome a 2-1 home loss to Fluminenese on Brazilian soil. Failure to do so could have a devastating effect on the team’s morale thus making the greens an easy prey for one of the best visiting sides in the Copa Mustang: Boyacá Chicó.

Envigado FC:

It has been an acid path to qualification for the Oranges but now that seems to be somewhat relaxing as they have to face dead-last Deportes Tolima. The only hurdle for the newly-promoted acids are their history (or lack thereof) which could make its players negatively relaxed since they are expected to underachieve anyway.

Atletico Bucaramanga:

One of the weakest visitors of the league, the Cheetahs have their strength playing at home so it is unfortunate for them that next game they have to travel to Bogotá to face a revived, points-hungry Millonarios. The good side is that the Ambassadors’ worst disgraces this season have been witnessed on their home soil.

Deportes Quindio:
Tough task having to stop a squad as strong as Deportivo Cali’s. However this team is consistent enough at home and could pull it off.

Millonarios:

After Bonner Mosquera dropped all the thinkering and weird lineup changes, Millonarios returned to its pre-Chicó game form in their away win against Once Caldas. And they will have to keep showing such form in the next two games if they are to qualify.

Atletico Huila:

One of the most unpredictable teams in the league. Their next game is away against an eliminated Junior side that would like to say goodbye to the season on a decent note.

My prediction? Based on history and squad strength both Cali teams should be in. Also, there are two more teams with the pedigree and the roster to be considered candidates in Nacional and Millonarios. However, these team’s lack of consistency could open the way for the likes of Quindio and Envigado to claim these last two spots. We’ll just have to wait and see how everything unfolds before the last matchday.

Yesterday’s results:

América	3 - 1	Quindio
Pasto	0 - 1	Nacional
Huila	1 - 0	Cúcuta
Santa Fe	1 - 1	Pereira
Once Caldas	0 - 2	Millonarios
Bucaramanga	1 - 0	Tolima
Envigado F. C.	0 - 1	La Equidad
Medellín	1 - 1	Deportivo Cali
Chicó F.C.	2 - 1	Junior