Thursday's Copa Libertadores predictions including River Plate vs. Deportivo Tachira

Independiente vs. Liverpool (Thursday, 11.00pm)

Thursday will be a must-win game for Independiente del Valle and Liverpool, who face each other on matchday six in the 2024 Copa Libertadores from Estadio Banco Guayaquil in Ecuador.

Both sides have four points in Group F after Independiente suffered a 2-1 defeat versus Palmeiras, while the Uruguayans were beaten 3-2 by San Lorenzo.

We say: Independiente del Valle 1-0 Liverpool

A one-goal triumph may not be enough to vault them into second place, but we trust Independiente del Valle to get the job done because they are used to playing in these win-or-go-home scenarios.

Needing to score a plethora of goals could leave Liverpool exposed in transition, something the Ecuadorians will be able to use to their advantage on Thursday.

Palmeiras vs. San Lorenzo (Thursday, 11.00pm)

San Lorenzo can qualify for the knockout stage of the 2024 Copa Libertadores by avoiding defeat on Thursday against Palmeiras at Allianz Parque.

The three-time winners of this competition locked up first place in Group F, thanks to a 2-1 victory over Independiente del Valle, while a 3-2 victory at home to Liverpool has the Argentines well positioned to advance, currently three points above both Liverpool and Independiente del Valle for second.

We say: Palmeiras 2-0 San Lorenzo

Being in San Lorenzo's position can be dangerous, as they may be rather passive and sit back to try and avoid defeat, which we believe will suit the Brazilians just fine.

River Plate vs. Tachira (Friday, 1.00am)

River Plate can win their group at the Copa Libertadores for a second time in their last three appearances when they host Deportivo Tachira on Thursday at Estadio Monumental.

Thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory versus Club Libertad on matchday five, La Banda are guaranteed to make the knockout stage of this tournament, while the Venezuelans will exit this competition at the group stage following a 1-0 defeat versus Nacional.

We say: River Plate 2-0 Deportivo Tachira

First place is virtually a lock for River Plate, so they may be a little cagey in this encounter, but they have more than enough depth to find a way through Tachira, who do not have any solid chance creators on their side.

Libertad vs. Nacional (Friday, 1.00am)

The Copa Libertadores campaign will end on Thursday for Club Libertad when they host Nacional at Estadio Tigo La Huerta in Asuncion.

A 2-0 defeat versus River Plate on matchday five officially eliminated the Paraguayans from this competition, while a 1-0 victory by Decano over Deportivo Tachira assured them of a place in the knockout stage.

We say: Club Libertad 0-0 Nacional

Nacional are already guaranteed a spot in the knockout phase, while it would take a lot for Libertad to miss out on the Sudamericana.

With little to play for, we anticipate this will be a cagey affair between two sides that do not want to risk losing a key player to injury.