Atletico Mineiro vs River Plate Prediction - Copa Libertadores

We’ve reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores and our South American expert, Nathan Joyes has put together his River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

A 3-0 win for the Brazilians has put River in an almost impossible position in the second leg back in front of their own fans. The market is heavily favouring River, but an upset looks unlikely. Nathan is on hand to explain why.

• River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Tip 1: River to score first half
• River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Tip 2: Mineiro Team Goalscorer: Deyverson
• River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Tip 3: German Pezzella to score anytime

River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction 1: A frantic first half?

Brazil, Copa Libertadores, Wednesday, October 30th, 00:30 (UK)

The gulf between Argentinian and Brazilian football clubs became even more apparent last week. Mineiro took River Plate apart without too much effort, and with the Argentine champions not at their best, it’s difficult to see how they overturn this.

What they will have in their favour is a rocking El Monumental. The crowd will be backing the team and if the players can’t get up for it from the get go, Argentinian football is in bigger trouble than many already expect it to be.

Fortunately for River, Mineiro haven’t travelled well this season and are winless in their last five on the road. They are also in a difficult situation here. Yes, they lead comfortably, but that can sometimes be a hard task to manage. Gabi Milito has his work cut out to keep the players level headed.

One thing is almost guaranteed. If River don’t score in the first 45 minutes, they can almost forget the final. They have to take the game to Mineiro in their own backyard – and if they don’t, the dream is over. A positive start is a must, and I can at least see River scoring to close the gap.

• River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction 1: River to score first half
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction 2: Striker to bury the hosts

For those that watch South American football regularly, you’ll know Deyverson is quite the character. But away from his ability to wind up opponents, the 33-year-old is also a prolific striker – and has been in fine form for his new club.

Deyverson was the difference in the first leg, and a night that many will hope will be scripted for River, may just be ruined once more by the Brazilian.

Mineiro knows one goal will all but end River’s chances of progressing, and if they are to score, why wouldn’t it be their new striker?

Deyverson was responsible for the brace in the first leg, as well as the two goals against Fluminense in the quarter-finals. Although 33, his movement is excellent, and he proved to be a step ahead of his opponent’s last week. Dangerous in the air, too, he’s quite the handful.

The fact you can back Deyverson to score first in the team top goalscorer market at 4.33, it’s just too good to ignore considering his current form. Mineiro will get chances as River have to take risks, and the man of the hour can score another Libertadores goal.

• River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction 2: Mineiro Team Goalscorer: Deyverson
• Best Odds: 4.33
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction 3: Set piece weapon

To score three in-play goals without reply looks virtually impossible, and River will need to be on it with their set pieces if they are to rock Mineiro’s boat.

One player who can provide that much needed aerial threat is centre-back German Pezzella. The 33-year-old brought back to the club from Real Betis was on the scoresheet in the previous round against Colo Colo.

Admittedly, the Argentine isn’t known for his goals, often popping up with one per season, but Mineiro have proven to be weak from set pieces in recent weeks, and with the hosts throwing everything they have at the Brazilian club, Pezzella might find a way through.

It’s a slightly rogue pick, but the logic is there and Pezzella proved useful against Colo Colo, and he will need to show his experience if he is to guide his team to the final. At 9.0 to score any time, I expect River to be rather direct from their attacking set pieces throughout the 90 minutes.

• River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction 3: German Pezzella to score anytime
• Best Odds: 9.0
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 3/10

River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, October 27th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Possible Lineups: H

River Plate possible starting lineup:
Armani; Acuna, Pezzella, Diaz, Bustos, Fernandez, Kranevitter, Simon, Lanzini, Colidio, Borja

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Alonso, Battaglia, Lyanco, Rubens, Scarpa, Franco, Vera, Paulinho, Hulk, Deyverson

River Plate vs Atletico Mineiro Match Stats

• River have scored three plus goals in seven home matches this season.
• Mineiro have lost three of their last five away games (D2 L3).
• River head into this tie winless in their last five matches (D3 L2).

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