River Plate to heap more misery on Emelec in Copa Libertadores clash

Copa Libertadores
11.15pm Thursday

Emelec will travel more than 5,000km to Buenos Aires for this Copa Libertadores clash but jet lag will be the least of their concerns as they face a River Plate side who have won their last four in all competitions without conceding.

The hosts have started their Copa Libertadores campaign with two draws and a win and are second in Group D, after defeating Ecuadorians Emelec 1-0 on the previous matchday.

Defender Javier Pinola scored the winner in that game and River Plate will be confident of a better attacking display in their home tie with the group’s bottom-placed side.

Former Sunderland striker Ignacio Scocco has scored nine goals in the league this season, while January additions Lucas Pratto and Juan Fernando Quintero make up one of the most fearsome attacks across the continental competition.

Visitors Emelec have had a dismal change in fortune since the last campaign.

Following their 2017 Serie A title win in Ecuador and a round-of-16 appearance in the Copa Libertadores, their league form -has seen them slump to fifth in the table and they look to be on the brink of an early exit from South America’s elite club tournament.

Emelec have lost three of their last four in all competitions and do not look to have enough up top or at the back to cope with in-form River Plate, who can ease to victory by three goals or more.

Recommendation
River Plate -2 on handicap
2pts 11-4 Betfred

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