Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In the early hours of Tuesday, May 13, we’re in for a thrilling Round of 16 playoff clash in the Argentine Primera Apertura, with kick-off set for 1:30 AM Central European Time. Here’s my betting tip for this match.
River Plate vs Barracas Central: match facts and head-to-head
- River Plate are on a fantastic run—unbeaten in their last 13 matches.
- Barracas Central have managed just one win in their last six away games.
- River have scored in six consecutive matches.
- In the group stage, River Plate conceded just nine goals—third-best defensive record in the tournament.
- River have suffered a shutout defeat in only 5% of their matches, compared to 18% for Barracas.
- River have kept a clean sheet in 38% of their wins, while Barracas have managed this in 24% of theirs.
- In their most recent head-to-head, River Plate hammered Barracas 3-0.
River Plate vs Barracas Central: match preview
River Plate had a powerhouse regular season. Over 16 rounds, they picked up 31 points and finished second in the table, just four points off the leader. River’s defense was rock-solid, conceding only nine goals—the third-best record in the league. The team is in red-hot form: unbeaten in 13 straight and having found the net in each of their last six games.
Barracas Central competed in Group A, while River were in Group B. Barracas squeezed into the playoffs by finishing seventh, just one point behind the fourth-placed team and two behind third. They collected 26 points from 16 matches. Over their last seven games, they scored 20 goals but conceded 18.
There’s no doubt River Plate are favorites, but Barracas Central won’t go down without a fight. They’ve looked solid, and heading into the playoffs, have won their last two matches.
Probable lineups
- River Plate: Armani, Acuña, Díaz, Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Pérez, Castaño, Drissi, Nacho Fernández, Mastantuono, Colidio
- Barracas Central: Ledesma, Tobio, Insúa, Giappert, Demartini, Mater, Miloc, Ruiz, Porra, Tapia, Bruera
Prediction
River Plate are playing spectacular football right now, scoring in six straight matches. Barracas will no doubt put up a fight, but I believe River will progress. My tip—home team individual total over 1.5 goals at odds of 1.52.
