Independiente is aiming for a breakthrough, returning to the pitch with the familiar and steady aim of upsetting the odds at the Monumental, clock ticking down toward kickoff.
Although another victory eludes them, Ricardo Zielinski has made a solid impression at Independiente. The team opened with a strong showing in the classic against Racing, drawing praise from fans and delivering a lift after a difficult start. To sustain that momentum, the coaching staff appears ready to lean on a battle-tested approach that can challenge a squad appearing nearly unbeatable.
In the standout match of date 13 in the Professional League, Independiente travels to confront River Plate, on Sunday at 8:30 pm at the Monumental. The Demichelis-led side have won seven straight games in the local league without conceding a goal and sit six points clear at the top of the table following a Copa Libertadores midweek appearance.
THE CALLED INDEPENDENT
With 48 hours to the Avellaneda derby, the Russian coach began his first full week in charge, though the squad faced an early blow with a knee injury to a young player. Francisco Da Ros joined Rodrigo Márquez and Tomás Pozzo on a list of injured players with similar concerns, complicating match preparation.
Regarding disciplinary matters, Ayrton Costa will miss a suspension after reaching a fifth yellow card in the tie against Racing.
THE TRAINING OF INDEPENDENT
On Thursday, the head coach oversaw the first full session with a single, clear adjustment in mind, though the lineup later rotated. The team experimented with a left-back option, initially testing Damian Perez before replacing him with Edgar Elizalde, while the defensive shape remained steadfast. The exercise concluded with a five-man defense alongside Joaquin Laso and Nicolás Vallejo deployed higher up the field.
Overall, the plan remains to maintain the 4-4-2, aiming to align a familiar spine across the formation. The lineup suggested by the coach would see Rodrigo Rey in goal; a back line featuring Luciano Gómez, Sergio Barreto, Javier Báez, and Damian Pérez or Edgar Elizalde; a midfield quartet of Mauricio Cuero, Iván Marcone, Agustín Mulet, and Nicolás Vallejo; with Matías Giménez and Martín Cauteruccio up front.
ALTERNATIVE
To confirm the tactical choices and starting XI, further updates are expected before kickoff.