Boca Juniors vs Independiente del Valle Prediction and Betting Tips: Two selections for Copa Sudamericana second leg

A spot in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 is up for grabs in the early hours of Thursday morning when Boca Juniors take on Independiente del Valle at the Estadio Alberto J. Armando in Buenos Aires.

The second leg is finely poised after a goalless first meeting in Ecuador and Boca will be hoping that they can make home advantage count as they chase a record-extending third success in this competition.

The first leg at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil in Quito brought an end to the winning runs of both sides and the tie remains firmly in the balance.

The Blue and Gold were unable to bounce back from this result as they drew at Defensa y Justicia last time out and Diego Martinez’s side could be without a number of key players for this crucial second leg.

Former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo missed the first leg with a back problem and he remains a doubt, while Cristian Lema, Marcelo Saracchi and Luis Advincula are all unlikely to feature with various injury issues.

However, Independiente del Valle are also facing their own string of injury problems and may struggle to capitalise against the weakened hosts, with Jose Klinger and Junior Sornoza out through injury, while Bryan Garcia unavailable through suspension.

Their record in the competition matches that of Boca Juniors with 2 Copa Sudamericana victories - in 2019 and 2022 - and a tight encounter is expected between two of the tournament heavyweights.

Boca have not started their Liga Profesional season as well as they would have liked, lying 15th after six games and six points off of top spot and this could give the visitors the belief that they can edge past the South American giants.

The Blue and Gold’s recent form has seen them win just four of their last 10 matches in all competitions and their record against the Ecuadorians does not make for healthy reading, with two defeats and no wins from their three previous meetings.

Independiente, meanwhile, have enjoyed a successful season so far in the Ecuadorian Liga Pro, with Javier Gandolfi’s men top of the pile with 35 points from 15 matches.

While Boca have been better at home this season their recent form will be a cause for concern and Independiente, who have won six of their last 10 matches in all competitions, look a tempting prospect to stun the Argentine outfit.

After returning from representing Ecuador at the Copa America, superstar teenager Kendry Paez will be ready and raring to help his side in their quest for continental glory.

The 17-year-old has four goals and three assists in the Liga Pro, as well as registering three goal contributions in the Copa Libertadores - where Indepentiente del Valle finished third in their group to drop down into this competition.

This may be Paez’s last chance at South American silverware as he will join Chelsea in 2025 and the youngster has all the potential to cause Boca a host of issues and looks a strong option to find the back of the net.