Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The 2024 Copa Libertadores fixtures reach the halfway stage, which means South American expert Nathan Joyes is on hand with his Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

One of Ecuador’s brightest teams continue to impress at home in this competition, while Brazilian Serie A side, Palmeiras, are unlikely to enjoy the high altitude in Quito in round three.

In this article:

• Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Tip 1: Independiente del Valle Draw No Bet
• Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Tip 2: Independiente del Valle Over 1.5 Team Goals
• Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Tip 3: Michael Hoyos to score Anytime

Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction 1: Back the hosts

Ecuador, Copa Libertadores, Thursday, April 11th, 01:30 (UK)

There’s high hopes for the 2022 Sudamericana champions in this year’s renewal, who are expecting a deep run into the tournament.

At home is where they excel. Similar to Bolivia, Ecuador provides an altitude advantage for the hosts, and teams from Brazil do not enjoy the sweltering hot conditions.

Fluminense fell to a 1-0 defeat in the Recopa Sudamericana first leg in Quito back in February, struggling to land a blow in an unfamiliar environment.

Independiente del Valle has won six of their last eight home matches in this competition, drawing the other two. 

Javier Gandolfi left a promising role at Talleres to join the project. The highly rated Argentine has started life very well with his new club, and another key win over a team like Palmeiras will only strengthen his credentials.

Palmeiras face Flamengo, before flying to Quito, and then it’s derby day vs Sao Paulo – all within a 10 day period.

Whether Abel Ferreira will take his preferred squad to Ecuador is another question yet to be answered, but I’d expect a few rotations which hands the advantage to the hosts.

• Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction 1: Independiente del Valle Draw No Bet (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction 2: Home record can’t be ignored

Out of Independiente del Valle’s six wins at home in this competition, they’ve scored at least two goals in all of those matches. 

Last year, they scored three against Corinthians and Argentinos Juniors, whereas in 2022 they managed to score two against Atletico Mineiro.

Often starting quick, the hosts don’t let their opponents settle in the warm climate, and their high press is often rewarded.

Their 2-0 win over San Lorenzo came from first half goals, and their opponents didn’t know how to respond or deal with the constant pressure.

The Ecuadorians may have drawn a blank in 2021 vs Palmeiras, but much has changed for the hosts since then, who have become one of the most exciting teams on the continent.

Domestically, Independiente del Valle have been phenomenal under Gandolfi, sitting in top spot with 19 points from nine matches, as well as scoring 16 goals.

When they win, they win in style. Their last six wins at home has seen them produce 15 goals and Palmeiras are in for a tough evening if they find their stride.

• Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction 2: Independiente del Valle Over 1.5 Team Goals
• Best Odds: 2.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction 3: Hosts to turn to Hoyos

A man who has continuously performed in this tournament, Michael Hoyos, is likely to lead the line once again for the hosts. 

The 32-year-old scored three Libertadores goals in eight matches in 2023, and he opened his account with the second goal vs San Lorenzo.

Away from his goalscoring attributes, Hoyos is blessed as there is so much creativity in behind, including soon to be Chelsea bound Kendry Paez – Hoyos will not be short of service.

Against San Lorenzo, Independiente del Valle finished with an xG of 2.36, 72% possession and 18 shots. It was total dominance against a side also not accustomed to the climate.

If Palmeiras rotate, a disjointed side will struggle to click, allowing the hosts to do their thing under their new manager, and expect Hoyos to be on the end of a few chances.

• Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction 3: Michael Hoyos to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 3.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, April 19th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras Team News and Possible Lineups: Kendry Paez the key piece

As mentioned, 16-year-old Kendry Paez is continuing to shine before his move to Chelsea, establishing himself as a key player in the heart of Independiente del Valle’s midfield.

Playing well above his age, the level of maturity to Paez’s game can only be believed when witnessed, and he will once again look to pull the strings in the middle of the park.

All eyes will be on Palmeiras’ Estevao, who is the Brazilian’s exciting 16-year-old prodigy. If he is to grace the pitch, this could be a monumental moment between two future generational talents. Tune in, if you can.

Independiente del Valle possible starting lineup:
Ramirez; Caicedo Lastra, Schunke, Carabajal, Landazuri, Ortiz, Sornoza, Zabala, Paez, Ibarra, Hoyos

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Lomba; Vanderlan, Gomez, Naves, Paulista, Menino, Moreno, Rios, Lopes, Lázaro, Endrick

Match Stats: Hosts to enjoy familiar surroundings

• Independiente del Valle are unbeaten in their last eight matches in the Libertadores, winning six of those.
• Palmeiras often struggle in the altitude, having lost 3-1 last year to Bolivar in the group stage.
• Kendy Paez (16) and Estevao (16) may meet on the pitch for the first time in their careers.

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