Independiente del Valle vs River Plate Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Copa Libertadores

Independiente del Valle vs River Plate Preview

Tournament: Copa Libertadores

Date: Thursday, April 23

Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM GMT

Venue: Estadio Banco Guayaquil

River Plate will play Independiente del Valle in Quito, Ecuador, on Thursday in the third game of Group B in the Copa Libertadores. They are hoping to win their third straight game.

River Plate is now in third place in the Zona B rankings after having a fantastic start to the new season. They have earned 25 points from their 11 games this season, winning six, drawing seven, and losing one. With a 1-0 victory over Universitario de Deportes on the road and a goalless draw against Barcelona SC, they also started the Copa Libertadores undefeated. They come into this game after a convincing 0-3 victory against Gimnasia LP in the Liga Profesional Apertura. The victory was a result of goals from Sebastian Driussi, Franco Mastantuono and Rodrigo Aliendro.

They will have a fantastic opportunity to defeat their opponents and keep a three-point lead over them after drawing with teams like Barcelona SC, Independiente de Valle, and Universitario de Deportes in group B.

Meanwhile, Independiente del Valle are currently ranked first in the Serie A with 18 points from nine games that they have played so far. Out of the nine games they have secured five wins, three draws and one loss. They come into this game after a 2-0 win against Manta after goals from Hoyos and Zarate. They will heavily rely on their talisman Michael Hoyos, who have scored five goals so far in league. Lets have a look at the team news for both the teams.

Independiente del Valle Team News

The Ecuadorian side will be a happier team between the two as they have all the players available for selection. They will most probably continue with the same XI that gained them three points against Manta in the league.

River Plate Team News

River Plate have several injury concerns in their squad for this clash. They will be without the services of Augustin Roberto, Gonzalo Martinez, Maximiliano Meza and Paulo Diaz.

The manager Marcelo Gallardo will be expected to continue with his trusted back four of Acuna, Pezzella, Quarta and Montiel. Right-back Montiel would be crucial for the away team as he has contributed both in the defensive as well as attacking set of things for the team.

Independiente del Valle vs River Plate Predicted Lineups

Independiente del Valle Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Villar

Defenders: Fernandez, Zarate, Carbajal, Loor

Midfielders: Arroyo, Alcivar, Mercado

Attackers: Cazares, Medina, Rodriguez

River Plate predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Armani

Defenders: Montiel, Quarta, Pezzella, Acuna

Midfielders: Castano, Perez, Simon

Attackers: Mastantuono, Driussi, Colidio

Independiente del Valle vs River Plate Head-to-Head Record

Before this fixture both the sides have met each other only twice and each of them has won a game in that.

Key Players to Watch Out in Independiente del Valle vs River Plate

Facundo Colidio (River Plate)

One player who is establishing himself is Facundo Colidio, who has been playing well for River Plate this season. Although he can play a variety of positions, the 25-year-old has primarily been a left winger for them.

He has scored three goals in the league so far this season and helped produce the winning goal against Universitario de Deportes in the opening round.

Michael Hoyos (Independiente del Valle)

Hoyos, who is well-known for his creative abilities and attacking flair, can penetrate defences with his accurate dribbling and astute judgement. He is an invaluable asset for Independiente del Valle because of his expertise and reliability, particularly in crucial games like this one. He has so far scored five goals for the club in league.

Independiente del Valle vs River Plate Prediction

A great battle is promised between River Plate and Independiente del Valle. Michael Hoyos's attacking threat and recent success could give Independiente the advantage. However, River Plate is a formidable opponent due to their clinical finishing and strong defence. Anticipate a fierce and hotly contested conflict.

Predicted Score: Independiente del Valle 1-2 River Plate

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