The matchup between Racing Club and Independiente arrives amid a storm for the academy from Avellaneda, following back-to-back losses and lingering questions about the starting lineup for the clash with Rojo.
Avellaneda’s classic lands with Independiente mired in a broader crisis, both on the pitch and in the executive ranks, while Racing faces a rare chance to deal a decisive blow to its oldest adversary. Yet the city’s showdown finds the Academy in a notably fragile moment on the field.
After falling in consecutive games, first at Gimnasia and then at home against Newell’s, Gago’s squad displayed little spark or reaction, slipping significantly in the Professional League standings and approaching the duel with more pressure than anticipated.
The game, part of the 12th round of the championship, is scheduled for Sunday, April 16, at 4:30 p.m. It will take place at the Libertadores de América – Ricardo Bochini stadium.
THE SQUAD LIST FOR RACING VS INDEPENDIENTE
Amid the concerns from Wednesday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Newell’s, the head coach can take some relief in a notable absence of fresh injuries or suspensions ahead of the classic.
On Friday, Aníbal Moreno underwent examinations that revealed a dilation of the semimembranosus in his left leg, ruling him out of the squad for the match. This means the central midfielder will not be available for the derby, unlike his opponent from the Lepra camp.
The good news across the board is that Gonzalo Piovi, who had been sidelined by a left thigh tear in mid-March, has returned to training with teammates and is set to be available for the trip to Avellaneda. Gabriel Rojas is also back after serving a suspension in La Plata, reinforcing options on the left flank.
RACING’S PREPARATION FOR THE CLASSIC
The recent string of subpar performances has cast a long shadow over the lineup Gago is likely to deploy against Independiente. At the moment, Piovi is expected to slot in for Emiliano Insúa in central defense, and the left-back position has shifted back to its usual occupant after a brief experiment on the other side with Facundo Mura.
Midfield decisions have sparked discussion as well. Tomas Aviles, a young talent, has been trusted with minutes, while there is debate over whether Jonatan Gómez will be chosen to anchor the midfield. The question remains whether Maxi Moralez will see playing time again after his recent absence.
In attack, Matias Rojas should start, and Paolo Guerrero appears poised to lead the line, with Gabriel Hauche possibly continuing on the wings despite feeling less than entirely comfortable in that role. The balance between experience and youth will be a key theme as the team shapes its approach for a high-stakes derby.
The probable starting XI is: Gabriel Arias; Facundo Mura, Leonardo Sigali, Gonzalo Piovi, Gabriel Rojas; Juan Nardoni, Tomás Avilés, Jonatan Gómez or Nicolás Oroz; Matías Rojas, Paolo Guerrero or Maxi Romero, and Gabriel Hauche.
Source: Goal