After a grueling and dramatic win over Tigre, the Reds aim for back-to-back victories against the fatigued Arsenal side for the first time this season, a step toward overdue consistency.
Independent enjoyed its most emotional moment of the year last Saturday, sealing a 2-1 victory over Tigre with a stoppage-time strike by Martín Cauteruccio in the 95th minute. That win snapped a winless run of three games and offered a glimmer of progress as they chase a climb out of the relegation zone. Ricardo Zielinski has been pushing hard for balance and discipline, believing that order on the field will translate into results off it.
Arsenal de Sarandí, meanwhile, moves into date 17 in Sarandí with their backs against the wall. The home team finds themselves sinking toward the bottom of the averages table, and the fight to stay in the top division appears increasingly precarious after three straight losses and 11 defeats across the tournament. The fixture is set for Thursday, May 18, at 9 p.m. at the Julio Grondona Stadium, a venue steeped in Argentine football history that could witness a pivotal turning point for both sides.
THE CALLED INDEPENDENT
Early in the week, the news was less than ideal, though not catastrophic. Against Matador, defender Sergio Barreto suffered a left knee sprain in the first half and had to leave the pitch at halftime. After medical evaluation, the diagnosis confirmed a mild sprain with a two-week layoff on the horizon, a setback the team will manage without him for a short period but with plenty of alternatives ready to step up.
Another setback involves Ivan Marcone, who left the last match with an issue and faces approximately 20 days on the mend. His absence will require tactical adjustments and a broader squad contribution as Ligereza develops in the game model to cover midfield duties.
THE TRAINING OF INDEPENDENT
Despite the recent victory, Zielinski faces at least one forced defensive change due to Barreto’s injury, while the coach also considers whether to reinforce the central area again. In the battle for the core of the defense, Joaquín Laso appears to be gaining the edge over Edgar Elizalde, signaling a potential reshuffle that prioritizes solidity at the back.
In midfield, several changes shook the lineup as Nicolás Vallejo, the author of the opening goal, stepped in, replacing the departing Cazares and Cuero. Sarrafiore assumed a deeper central role, with Mulet or Kevin López vying for minutes as the team seeks a balanced engine room. The alternatives remain in play, each offering different dynamics in transition and ball retention as the match approaches.
So the squad that looks set to take the field features Rodrigo Rey in goal; Baltasar Barcia, Joaquín Laso, Javier Báez, Ayrton Costa across the backline; Braian Martínez, Martín Sarrafiore, Sergio Ortiz, Nicolás Vallejo in midfield; Matías Giménez and Martín Cauteruccio as the attacking pair, a configuration designed to maximize pressing and direct goal-threat.
ALTERNATIVE
To confirm.
All information reflects current team selections and available reports, with official confirmations anticipated as the match day approaches.