2019 Copa Libertadores Final – Flamengo vs River Plate Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Flamengo vs River Plate kick off? Saturday 23rd November, 2019 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Flamengo vs River Plate being played? Estadio Monumental, Lima
What TV channel is Flamengo vs River Plate on? BBC Two (UK), Fox Sports (Latin America), BeIN Sports (USA)
Where can I stream Flamengo vs River Plate? This match can be streamed on BBC iPlayer within the UK as well as BeIN Sports CONNECT, Fanatiz (USA), Fox Sports Play (Latin America), Facebook Live, bet365
Where can I get tickets for Flamengo vs River Plate? https://www.eventim.com.br/es/event/final-unica-de-la-conmebol-libertadores-estadio-monumental-u-12469698/?affiliate=LBT
THE TEAM NEWS
FLAMENGO
- Flamengo enter this contest as a slight favourite mostly due to their impressive form in all competitions. The Brazilian giants are currently riding a 25-game undefeated streak in all competitions (W20, D5) and they have not conceded a single goal in 13 of those matches. They also average 2.15 goals per game in the Brazilian Serie A. They defeated Gremio 1-0 in their previous match.
- The Rubronegro side do not have any injury concerns ahead of this contest. This will allow former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus to field his strongest line-up for this pivotal match, as Flamengo will aim to conquer their second Copa Libertadores title in club history.
Expected starting XI: Diego Alves; Rafinha, Rodrigo Caio, Pablo Marí, Filipe Luís; Gerson, Willian Arao; Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Henrique, Diego Ribas; Gabriel Barbosa
RIVER PLATE
- Los Millonarios have been playing with an alternative squad in recent weeks, so their results do not reflect their full capacity. Either way, the Argentina Primera giants have looked quite solid in recent weeks since they own a W3, L2 mark in all competitions, while winning 2-0 against Estudiantes in the Copa Argentina in their previous match.
- River Plate do not have any injury concerns ahead of this game, so they should be able to field a very strong side ahead of this contest. There could be one slight tactical change, though, as manager Marcelo Gallardo is leaning towards playing with a 5-3-2 system instead of the regular 4-1-3-2. This would include Paulo Díaz at the expense of Nicolas De La Cruz.
Expected starting XI: Franco Armani; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Paulo Díaz, Javier Pinola, Milton Casco; Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Pérez, Nacho Fernández; Rafael Santos Borré, Matías Suárez
THE PREDICTION
Flamengo will aim to secure their second Copa Libertadores title in the club’s history, while River Plate will attempt to win CONMEBOL’s biggest club tournament for the fifth time as well as re-validating last season’s title. There is no question Los Millonarios have pedigree to make things interesting here, but Flamengo are nearly unstoppable at the moment and are head and shoulders above every other single CONMEBOL team right now. The Brazilian side should win here rather comfortably.
