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Independiente Medellin vs River Plate Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

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  • Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Independiente Medellin
River Plate

Independiente Medellin vs River Plate Predictions

Independiente return to the Libertadores after a staggering 6 year absence. They are back in the competition courtesy of early 2016’s Apertura league win. While they may have missed out on Libertadores football  DIM did have a decent run in the Copa Sudamericana last year, eliminating Universidad Catolica (ECU), Sportivo Luqueno and Santa Cruz before going out in the quarter finals to Cerro Porteno.

DIM made numerous changes over the summer break and are looking much stronger for it. Luis Zubeldia replaced Leonel Alvarez, while one time wonder-kid Juan Fernando Quintero has come back to his homeland on loan. Still just 24, the fact that Quintero finds himself back in Colombia tells you more about his head and professionalism, or lack of, than his quality on the pitch. He’s still  a player of massive ability and early signs are that Independiente have pulled a real coup in signing him. Quintero and co have made a fantastic start to the new season, sitting top of the pile with 22 points from 9 games. At home they have been ruthless, winning all 5 games contested, scoring 13 and conceding just 3.

Marcelo Gallardo and his troops start what they hope will be another successful Libertadores campaign. Most of the squad were present when the title was lifted, and will be keen to avenge last year’s round of 16 exit to Independiente del Valle.  With arch rivals Boca not in the competition this year, River will be aiming to go all the way, as they currently trail Boca 6 to 3 in Copa Libertadores trophies.

That being said, all is not well in the River camp at the moment. While Gallardo himself is under no pressure, fans are becoming increasingly annoyed with several members of the squad. Midfielder Gonzalo Martinez had his car torched outside his house a couple of weeks ago, with members of the ‘barra brava’ not taking too kindly to his perceived poor performances. River have almost give up on the league title, and lie 11 points behind Boca in 8th place. They rested players for the weekend’s clash with Union, and that told, as they laboured to a 0-0 draw on home territory.

River cannot be too hopeful coming into this one. Yes they are a big name, but they are not living up to the tag at the moment.. They were battered in the Argentine Super Cup, 3-0 against Lanus, and are winless in the four games following. Away from home they have won just 2 from 7 in the league, which simply isn’t good enough for a team of their stature.

Independiente are in magnificent form, and are tearing teams apart on home soil. While River should represent a step up on quality, we fancy them to get an early win on the board. It’s a match off between a team in great form, with a ruthless home streak, against a side low on confidence that struggle on the road. That points towards one conclusion, the home win, which looks a fantastic price all things considered.

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