Fluminense (home)
- Fluminense RJ will be disappointed to be sitting third in Copa Libertadores Group C with just 1 point from their opening fixture behind Argentine visitors Independiente Rivadavia’s 3 after a 0-0 away draw to Venezuelans Deportivo La Guaira.
- Luis Zubeldía’s side have the edge going forward, but have been a little inefficient in the final third, drawing their most recent two matches in all competitions (W2, D2, L1).
- High-tempo, vertically aggressive style with pressing and tempo changes as tactical hallmarks.
Independiente Rivadavia (away)
- Independiente are in red-hot form in the league and on the continent, soaring to the top of the Group C table with a 1-0 away win over Club Bolivar before seeing off Argentinos Juniors 3-1 at the weekend to make it 5 wins from 5 in all competitions.
- It is their first-ever Libertadores group stage appearance and will be a major motivation for the squad, with Alfredo Berti shaping a pragmatic, compact unit that is tough to break down.
- Berti’s squad will absorb pressure, disrupt the flow of their opponents and look to counter rapidly, particularly down the wide areas where Sebastian Villa has been particularly effective on the left.
Head-to-Head
- Independiente Rivadavia have won all of their last 5 matches in all competitions.
- Fluminense have drawn their last 2 games, including a 0-0 in Copa Libertadores 4 days ago at Deportivo La Guaira.
Key Players
Sebastian Villa - particularly effective on the left for Independiente and key to their counter threat.
Betting Insights
- This will be a game of chess between two highly disciplined sides and Independiente’s form, confidence and tactical set-up make them good value to edge a win away from home at 7.9.
- The Under 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score - No markets look short at 1.8 and 1.6 given both teams are solid at the back and Independiente thrive on the counter.
Prediction
Fluminense are a better football team, but we feel Independiente can steal the result if it goes to the last minute.
