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Aron Wright - April 23, 2018
River Plate vs Emelec
South America – Copa Libertadores
Date: Thursday, 26 April 2018
Kick-Off at 23:15 UK
Venue: Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti (Buenos Aires).
River Plate managed to grabs the first win of the campaign last weekend when they dispatched Emelec away at Estadio Banco del Pacifico. Los Millonarios will have a great chance to grab the very top of the group standings with another victory over the underdogs from Ecuador when the two sides are about to lock horns for the second time in two weeks on Thursday evening in Buenos Aires.
The team led by Alfredo Arias did not have much luck with the draw which gave them such a strong group to compete in. Even though The Ecuadorians started off well, saving a point from the tough opening fixture away at Santa Fe, back-to-back narrow home defeats to Flamengo and Rover Plate followed. Emelec now only have theoretical chances of making it to the knockout stage of the competition. To start with, they need a victory over the likes of River Plate away at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti. That’s too big of a task if you ask us.
The two sides faced each other in the group phase in the previous term of the same competition as well.
Los Millonarios took four points from two games against Emelec back then (1-2 away in Ecuador and 1-1 at home in Buenos Aires).
This term’s clash saw River beating Emelec 0-1 on the rod, as mentioned above.
Marcelo Gallardo definitely managed to turn a corner regarding his team’s fortunes. He looks to have instilled the fighting spirit inside his players. River Plate were super tough to break down recently. They shipped no goals at all in last five matches in all competitions. Also, they won eight and drew one of last nine across competitions and they will head into this of the back of a demolishing 0-3 victory over Arsenal Sarandi.
The story is completely different with Emelec who lost six of last eight matches. Arias’ job is rumoured to be on the line and we just can’t see his troops rebounding against such a strong opposition in such an important contest here. Everything points towards River’s victory and we’ll back the hosts to have the lead at the half time and win the match at the end at 1.80 odds.
You can also back the hosts to keep their net untouched in sixth straight match at 1.61.
HT/FT River Plate/River Plate @ 1.90
River Plate to keep a clean sheet @ 1.61
