Independiente del Valle
- Independiente del Valle (2nd in Copa Libertadores Group H) sits with 1 point from their opening group match.
- Joaquín Papa has continued the culture of youth development and tactical structure that has been a trademark of Independiente del Valle.
- Independiente look to dominate with possession, press the ball high up the pitch when they lose it and transition quickly into the box when possession is won.
- This game will set up a typical possession vs counter matchup, as Universidad Central de Venezuela comes into the game looking to sit deep, and attempt to catch Independiente off guard with long balls and crosses, or direct attacks on set pieces.
- Independiente have won two, drawn two, and lost one of their last 5 in all competitions, and at home, they’re unbeaten in two, with one win and one draw.
Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV)
- UCV (1st in Group H) earned 3 points from their 1st Copa Libertadores game.
- Daniel Sasso has done a fantastic job at Universidad Central de Venezuela, molding a squad of relatively talented players into a pragmatic, defensive unit which has recently claimed a domestic treble.
- Juan Cuesta, with 2 goals in his last 5, will be the main goal threat, as Universidad Central de Venezuela look to shut out the hosts and nick it.
- Universidad Central de Venezuela have had a resurgent form, winning 2, drawing 1, and losing 2 of their last 5 matches, including a 3-1 home win over Libertad Asuncion in their Copa Libertadores opener.
Key Players
- Francisco Sole is one player who has found some fame in recent years, netting 1 and assisting once in his first Copa Libertadores appearance this season.
- Juan Cuesta, with 2 goals in his last 5, will be the main goal threat.
Betting Insights
Given their recent resurgence, the odds of 1.27 on an away win look good value to us.
Prediction
Universidad Central de Venezuela will look to stay compact and shut out their opposition, and given their recent resurgence, we expect them to nick this contest.
