Rivers United vs USM Alger Prediction: The hosts will either win or draw this encounter

On Sunday, River United will lock horns against the defending champions, USM Alger, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Nigerian-based team will have to be at its best to get the better of their opponent, as the visitors have proven to be a tough nut to crack for the opposition lately. 

Last six games: WLWLWW

The Pride of Rivers, who were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Young Africans last season, will be cautious against their opponent here. After ending the group game with ten points from a combined eighteen, Rivers United settled for the second spot, with goals separating them against Dreams at the top of the podium. Rivers United won their games on their own turf, scoring ten while conceding eight goals. Rivers United must be extremely careful not to concede first here, as the visitors can be compact at the back whilst locking up their defense. 

Last six games: WWWLDW

The Usmists are the best team in this competition as of now and are most likely going to defend their title. USM Alger, who finished at the top of the log, lost just once in six games. They conceded three goals and scored eight times. Things have been going well for the visitors, who have now won five consecutive games in all competitions. 

The defending champions sit in third place on the domestic table, having picked up thirty-five points from a combined sixty. USM Alger's game management has been top-notch lately, and they’ll likely pressure the hosts to get the first goal here. 

Rivers United have struggled in their domestic league this season but have been decent in CAF Confederation Cup matches. They have won all their games at home in this competition and will likely do that against the visitors. On the opposing end, USM Alger have been pretty solid lately, heading here with five consecutive victories in all competitions. They are extremely solid and are well-organized. The Algerian-based side don’t score much, but when they are ahead, you can as well say it’s a game over because they are going to protect the lead with their lives. 

This game will be played under extremely harsh weather, and despite the fact that the Algerians are better all around than their opponent, it’ll be difficult to adapt to such humidity. Moreover, since it’s Ramadan period, the visitors won’t literally function accordingly. For this reason, the hosts will seize this opportunity to punish their opponent, and we can see them winning either half for 1.86

Rivers United have conceded in five of their last six games, and we think the visitors will at least get a goal here; bet on BTTS for 1.95.

I also think a home win for 2.50 might be worth the risk. 

Good luck!