Argentinos Jrs (Argentina) vs Independiente del Valle (Ecuador)
Fourth-placed in the Argentine 2022 aggregate league table, Argentinos Juniors will make their fifth appearance in the Copa Libertadores (champions in 1985). Last Friday, the team secured an important 3-0 home success over Godoy Cruz to make it 14 points in nine matches this term, climbing into seventh spot. El Bicho are on five games unbeaten in all competitions, winning three and drawing two. At home, Argentinos haven’t lost any of their last six, with four victories and two stalemates since early October, when they lost to River Plate 3-0.
Independiente del Valle lift their second Copa Sudamericana title last season thanks to a 2-0 win over Sao Paulo in Cordoba in the final. Now they will look for more history in the Copa Libertadores (runners up in 2016). Last Friday, Martin Anselmi’s men claimed a big 3-2 away win at Universidad Catolica to remain as Liga Pro leaders on nine points after four rounds, two above LDU Quito, Cumbaya, Orense and Delfin. The team are on two consecutive victories in all competitions and also broke a three-game losing streak on the road in regular time (includes the 1-0 loss at Flamengo in the Recopa Sudamericana return leg, when they won on penalties).
Argentinos won’t have their best defender and captain Miguel Torren due to injury, and I think they can find trouble against the Copa Sudamericana 2022 champions who have been a solid team for the last 5-6 years.
BET: Independiente del Valle +0.5 @ 1.99