River Plate vs Emelec Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Thursday’s Copa Libertadores action sees Argentines River Plate playing host to Ecuadorians Emelec. Having seen off their opponents away from with a 1-0 triumph last week, River will be keen to secure another three points.

Said win was a crucial one for River, having previously drew away at Flamengo and at home to Santa Fe. Los Millionarios now lie second in Group 4 and another win in this match would put them well on the way to advancing to the knockout stages.

Marcelo Gallardo’s troops had been putting in a terrible campaign but now find themselves in excellent shape, unbeaten in 11 matches, 8 of which wins. Such strong form has seen the side rise from the lower reaches of the Argentine top flight up into a Copa Sudamericana spot, but there can be no doubting that all focus is on the Libertadores, with a heavily rotated eleven fielded in the 3-0 win at Arsenal over the weekend.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Emelec boss Alfredo Arias, with his Emelec side in something of a crisis. Last season’s Ecuadorian champions had started the season in strong fashion but since falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Flamengo, El Bombillo have been in terrible form, leaving the visitors in weak positions both domestically and in the Libertadores itself.

All in all, Emelec have now won just 1 of their last 8 games, losing 6 times in the process. A 3-1 defeat at Delfin over the weekend left the side down in 5th place in the opening phase of league action, some 10 points behind leaders Barcelona, whilst just 1 point collected in the Libertadores so far means their hopes of advancing from the group stage hang by a thread.

Ultimately, the disparity between each parties’ form couldn’t be any further apart and River should be able to pick up the points with relative ease. The Argentines really are in excellent shape and haven’t so much as conceded a single goal in their last 5 outings.

Up against an Emelec outfit that has fallen to defeat in 3 of their last 4 away games as well as 8 of their last 12 on the road in the Libertadores, River should have no issues in securing victory. Given the defensive strength they are showing, backing a home win to nil looks the way to play, with a 2-0 margin of victory on the cards.