Independiente del Valle vs Union Santa Fe Predictions

Thursday’s Copa Sudamericana first round, second leg action sees Ecuadorians Independiente del Valle doing battle with Argentines Union de Santa Fe. It’s the hosts who have it all to do after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg.

Independiente del Valle’s loss in Argentina leaves them with huge work to do if they are to make it into the next round of the competition. It had looked like being a close tie when it was first drawn, but the Ecuadorians are going to have to pull something special out of the hat on Thursday if they are to turn the tie around.

Nonetheless, Independiente’s defeat in the first leg ranks as the only low point in what’s been an excellent start to 2019 and confidence is certainly high in coming back from behind. Indeed, the side have looked a real force so far this year and are currently top of the Ecuadorian top flight, having won an impressive 7 of their last 9 matches.

Meanwhile, Union’s first ever continental match couldn’t have gone any better and their win puts them in a commanding position. Nonetheless, the visitors won’t be naive enough to think that the tie is over and given how strong Independiente have been and the fact the match will be played at a gruelling altitude of over 2,800 metres, the visitors still have a long way to go before celebrating qualification.

Union are unbeaten in 6 matches, which does raise confidence coming into the game but having won just 2 of said games and just 1 of their last 6 away games, they’re hardly firing on all cylinders either. Ahead by two goals, the visitors will likely play in a very defensive manner in Quito and it really does look a question of whether or not they can hang onto their lead.

Ultimately, we don’t view this tie as over and feel that Independiente are still in with a chance of going through. They’ve been fantastic so far this year, the first leg aside, and having won 4 of their last 5 home games, they’re certainly a force to be reckoned with in front of their own fans.

All things considered, backing a home win to nil looks the way to play and is something we’re more than happy to do at current prices. Independiente have conceded just once in their last 5 home games and with Union set to play in a very defensive manner, a 2-0 home won could well be on the cards and would mean the winner would have to be settled from the spot.