River Plate vs Velez Sarsfield Predictions

• River Plate have won each of their three Copa Libertadores home matches this term.
• Velez Sarsfield’s last seven games have all contained a maximum of two goals, as have four of the hosts’ last seven contests.
• 11 of the last 14 head-to-head meetings between the teams have contained under 2.5 goals.

River targeting comeback at El Monumental

River Plate trail 1-0 at the halfway stage of their all-Argentinian last-16 Copa Libertadores tie against Velez Sarsfield, with the two Buenos Aires rivals set for another tight clash at El Monumental. Neither side has made a sparkling start to their Primera Division campaign, and that could add to the tension on Thursday.

The hosts have collected eight points from their first six league games, but have found things much easier in the Libertadores, where they won five of their six group games, scoring 18 goals (14 at home) and conceding just three. Their superb home record in South America’s elite continental competition will give them hope of at least levelling this tie, though they will face a tough travelling rearguard.

Indeed, Velez have seen seven consecutive games feature under 2.5 goals, clinging on for a first-leg win over River after having just 38 per cent possession and two shots on target. Low-scoring affairs have been common between these two teams in recent years, with 11 of their last 14 meetings seeing a maximum of two goals, and Alexander Medina’s men will hope for more of the same here.

Hosts have the edge – but tight contest awaits

While River’s superb home form and undoubted attacking quality will give them confidence of a turnaround, Velez have demonstrated their ability to keep games tight, making a home win with under 2.5 match goals a decent play.

Meanwhile, a 1-0 home win – which would leave the tie in the balance and penalties on the horizon – could be a decent correct score prediction.

* To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.