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Horse Racing River Plate vs Internacional Bet Builder: Back Beltran to continue his rich vein of form
River Plate vs Internacional Bet Builder Tips, Opta Stats, Player Props
There are a number of exciting fixtures this week in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16, but this one is likely to steal the show; River Plate vs Internacional.
Set to take place at Estadio Monumental, the biggest stadium in South America, expect plenty of fireworks with the Brazilians in town.
Kicking off at 01:00 on Wednesday, 2nd August, there’s no better fixture to stay up and indulge yourself in a truly classic South American battle.
Bet Builder odds: 3.50
Argentina, Copa Libertadores, Wednesday 2nd August, 01:00 (UK)
Odds via bet365 as at 10:00, 30th July 2023. Odds may now differ.
Stats: Argentine striker to continue challenging for golden boot
- Lucas Beltran has scored four goals in six Libertadores matches
- The Argentine striker has scored 17 goals in 2023, including the weekend vs Racing
- River Plate have won their last 14 home matches in a row for the first time at El Monumental
- Internacional haven’t won any of their last five matches
- There was over 7.5 corners in five of River’s six Libertadores group games.
River Plate vs Internacional Bet Builder Tips:
Lucas Beltran to score
River Plate’s leading talisman in the Primera, as well as the Libertadores, is in frightening form at present. Despite his team struggling on occasions throughout the group stage, Beltran was the one consistent, scoring in four of the six matches.
The 22-year-old has scored three in his last five matches, and with Beltran also responsible from the penalty spot, there’s no doubt he’ll have plenty of opportunities at Estadio Monumental.
The poacher is one of the deadliest strikers in South America, and with links to Europe beginning to circulate, Beltran will be keen to continue showcasing what he excels at – scoring goals.
Highly rated by previous manager Marcelo Gallardo, the young Argentine has flourished under Martin Demichelis, and his 12 Primera goals were significant as River lifted the trophy two weeks ago.
The creativity River have shown at home, scoring four against Sporting Cristal before two against Serie A outfit Fluminense, showcasing that their fluid style of play suits Beltran. Yet, he doesn’t just sit and wait for opportunities. He’s learned to play on the centre-backs shoulder, timing his runs to perfection, creating more chances for himself every match.
If River are to take the lead back to Brazil, they’ll be relying on Beltran to deliver in Argentina – and I’m sure he’ll be relishing any opportunities which fall his way.
Over seven corners
With plenty of action expected, it’ll be no surprise to see River Plate on the offensive from the first whistle. Demechilis has seen his side struggle on the road and will know nothing less than a win will be required before heading to Brazil.
Despite River Plate being odds-on favourites, Internacional are one of just two sides which remain unbeaten in the competition. They’ll be looking to frustrate the Argentine champions and use their pacey wingers, such as Mauricio, to counter where possible.
River conceded as many as they scored in the group stage (11), and Internacional will know they have been vulnerable from set pieces. With that in mind, Internacional’s preferred 4-5-1 formation away from home will look to stretch River on the break and win a few corners of their own.
River’s diverse formation will allow them to stretch the play themselves, and with Pablo Solari pulling the strings from wide positions of late, he’ll be influential in helping this bet land.
It’s worth noting this bet landed comfortably in five of River Plate’s group matches.
River Plate
Although Internacional remains unbeaten in the competition, Mano Menezes hasn’t been able to keep his job. After a poor run of form domestically, the former Brazilian manager was sacked on 17th July. The disruption should give an advantage to the Argentine club.
Since his dismissal, Internacional drew 0-0 away to Bragantino before losing 2-1 at home to Cuiaba. New striker Enner Valencia has yet to settle and get off the mark, and overall, the club are quite frankly a bit of a mess. Winless in five, the Brazilians scored just once in July.
Martin Demechilis, on the other hand, isn’t messing around. Straight after winning the Primera, he took his squad out of town to Sofitel Cardales for two days. The former River player wants complete concentration and focus from his players before the first leg at home and isn’t taking any chances.
Having won 15 of their last 16 home matches, and with Internacional’s collapse coming at the worst time possible, it makes total sense for River to come away with a first-leg advantage.
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