Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
On Friday, May 16, in the fifth round of the Copa Libertadores group stage, River Plate will host Independiente del Valle. I’m offering a bet on the number of goals the Argentine side will score in this match.
Key facts and head-to-head history
- River Plate have won four matches in a row across all competitions.
- Independiente del Valle are unbeaten in their last four away games.
- Both teams have scored in five consecutive matches involving Independiente del Valle.
- River Plate have lost just one of their last ten Copa Libertadores fixtures.
- The third round encounter between these teams ended in a 2-2 draw.
- This will be the fourth meeting in history between these clubs. Each side has one victory to their name.
Match preview
River Plate enjoyed a strong First Phase in the Apertura. Marcelo Gallardo’s squad finished second in their group with 31 points, with only Rosario Central ahead on 35. In the opening playoff round, River Plate hammered Barracas 3-0 at home. The Buenos Aires giants will face Platense in the quarterfinals.
In the Copa Libertadores, River Plate are just one win away from booking a playoff spot. With 8 points, they top the group, and a victory in the upcoming match would guarantee them first place. In the previous round, River Plate edged Barcelona Guayaquil 3-2 in a tense away clash.
Independiente del Valle, as usual, are fighting for the Ecuadorian championship title. After 12 rounds of the regular season, "Los Rayados" sit second with 24 points. They trail Barcelona Guayaquil by just one point, though the blue-and-garnet have played one game fewer. The gap to third-placed Aucas is three points.
In the Copa Libertadores, Independiente del Valle are also battling Barcelona Guayaquil. The Black-and-Blues have collected five points, one more than both Barcelona and Peru’s Universitario. In their last outing, the Ecuadorians drew 1-1 away in Peru.
Probable line-ups
- River Plate: Armani – Casco, Gonzalez, Pezzella, Bustos – Aliendro, Castaño, Simón – Colidio, Mastantuono, Driussi
- Independiente del Valle: Villar – Loor, Carabajal, Zarate, Santamaria – Rodriguez, Alcivar, Mercado, Cazares, Ibarra – Spinelli
River Plate vs Independiente del Valle prediction
River Plate are considered one of the favorites to win the entire Copa Libertadores, and their attacking prowess at home is impressive. I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 goals individually.
