Boca Juniors remains behind the curve on the domestic scene, delaying big risks while preparing for a looming first leg against Palmeiras. The coach is cautious, prioritizing stability over risk in a crowded schedule that could tilt the season toward the Copa Libertadores semifinals.
With only four rounds completed and ten left to play, Boca appears to have wrapped up the 2023 Professional League Cup phase. After an early victory, the team has dropped three consecutive 1-0 results, a run that aligns with Florencio Varela’s setback and highlights where the focus lies as the campaign moves toward stronger continental tasks.
This Tuesday marks Round Five, with Boca traveling to Santiago del Estero to meet Central Córdoba. The kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 pm at the Único Madre de Ciudades stadium. It is notable that Jorge Almirón will lean on a largely rotated squad for the match.
Sunday’s fixtures show that only one regular starter is likely to take the field, with Chiquito Romero returning after a rest against Defense and Justice. Minutes will also be allocated to several new arrivals, as Lucas Blondel, Marcelo Saracchi, Ezequiel Bullaude, Jorman Campuzano, and Lucas Janson are set to feature. The choice of who joins Darío Benedetto in attack remains open, with Exequiel Zeballos and Miguel Merentiel having alternated in recent matches.
BOCA’S PLAN
The squad will depart for Santiago del Estero on Monday. While the lineup will look quite different from the one expected to host Palmeiras next week, all available players will be included. Notable absence will be Christian Medina, who is held back to minimize risk and is not part of the upcoming plans.
Additionally, Colo Boat’s injury on the cheekbone required stitches after the setback, which may keep him in Buenos Aires along with Luca Langoni, who continues his rehabilitation program.
THE MOUTH’S SHAPE
Sergio Romero; Lucas Blondel, Bruno Valdez, Nicolás Valentini, Marcelo Saracchi; Ezequiel Bullaude, Jorman Campuzano, Juan Ramírez; Exequiel Zeballos or Miguel Merentiel, Darío Benedetto, Lucas Janson.