Boca Juniors v River Plate Betting Tips: Who will claim the advantage?
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Preview and odds for Copa Libertadores clash
History will be made over the next seven days, as Superclasico rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate meet in the Copa Libertadores Final for the very first time.
Boca’s historic La Bombonera home will host the first-leg tonight, before El Monumental takes centre stage on Saturday 24th November. Both matches are available to watch live on BT Sport 2 or Freesports from 8pm.
We’ve previewed the first-leg of the tie which has been dubbed the ‘game of the century.’
Head-to-Head
The Superclasico has a long and storied history dating all the way back to 1913. But more recently the rivalry has been dominated by the red of River. Los Millonarios have prevailed 2-0 in each of the last two meetings, including most recently in September.
The visitors will fancy their chances of taking a first-leg lead back to El Monumental too. They’re unbeaten away at Boca in their last four visits since a 2-0 defeat in 2015.
Likely XIs
Boca look set to line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Carlos Tevez sitting just behind Dario Benedetto up-front. Mauro Zarate and Edwin Cardona will flank the ex-Manchester United man, with Fernando Gago pulling the strings in a defensive midfield two alongside Ezequiel Almendra. Esteban Andrada, Frank Fabra and Lucas Olaza all remain sidelined.
Their opponents could remain unchanged from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Estudiantes last week, with Leo Ponzio set to miss out. That should allow former Manchester City man Bruno Zuculini to continue in a holding role. He’ll be joined by Ignacio Fernandez and Santiago Sosa. Lucas Pratto will play down the centre in a 4-3-3 set up.
Key Battles
Not a single inch will be given in this most high-profile of Superclasicos. That should make for a full-blooded contest from start to finish. Two men who could make the difference, though, are Ignacio Scocco and Gonzalo Martinez.
The pair have hit one apiece in each of River’s most recent 2-0 wins over the first-leg hosts. They should provide La Mitad Mas Uno with plenty of problems again. Gago’s defensive work will be key in shackling the duo. Zuculini will be equally as important for the visitors.
Match Odds
Both sides are in similar form, but it’s Boca who are chalked up as the favourites at 29/20. It’s 21/10 about a River Plate victory, with 9/5 for a first draw in six matches between the pair.
These fixtures are often war-like in their nature. Not only in terms of passion, but also in regards to how much is given away by either side. Nine of the last 12 match-ups have seen only one team find the back of the net. Both Teams to Score – No, is 8/13 here. Under 1.5 Goals offers slightly more value at 13/10.
Tevez will lead the goalscorer markets after netting twice against Tigre last time out. Cardona will be close behind for the hosts, with Scocco and Martinez fancied to net again after their recent exploits in this fixture. Another 2-0 away win is 14/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
