El Millonario already has La Bombonera on their minds, while Demichelis faces more questions than certainties about the starting eleven. The classic between River Plate and Boca Juniors, often described as a separate spectacle, now carries a mission: end a run of away defeats against the rival and do so on Boca’s home turf, in a key match of the Professional League Cup clashes.
For River, the sense of obligation is tied to Boca’s looming Libertadores series against Palmeiras. The local league has become the only domestic competition left for Núñez’s team, which arrives with just two points after a draw at Banfield, where Franco Armani stood out. The encounter is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, at 2 p.m., a date that carries not only pride but practical implications for the season’s trajectory.
Following the Florencio Sola clash, Martín Demichelis granted a day of rest and then returned the squad to River Camp on Tuesday. The sessions were focused on regeneration, yet the coach used the time to think deeply about the formation. With several key pieces uncertain, the planning centered on balancing defensive solidity with the creativity needed to threaten Boca away from home.
In practical terms, a core spine seems established. Franco Armani will guard the goal, Paulo Díaz is anticipated to anchor the back line, Enzo Pérez is viewed as the engine in midfield, and Nicolás De La Cruz is expected to orchestrate the attack from the creator’s role. Beyond that, the lineup remains fluid, reflecting the current demand for versatility and the need to adapt to an opponent that can pressure relentlessly on its own turf.
On the wings, Santiago Simón and Enzo Díaz are in contention, with Milton Casco presenting as a wildcard who can operate on both flanks depending on tactical needs. In central defense, Ramiro Funes Mori has been a regular starter, while Leandro González Pírez’s return adds depth and options for the trio of center-back choices that the coach might deploy. The balance between experience and fresh legs will be a deciding factor as the week unfolds.
Midfield options point to Rodrigo Aliendro as a stabilizing presence for containment, allowing Nacho Fernández and Manuel Lanzini to share the playmaking responsibilities. Esequiel Barco and Pablo Solari compete for a trio of attacking roles, with Miguel Borja and Salomón Rondón providing the center-forward options. The decision on who starts might hinge on how Demichelis evaluates current form, health, and the need to adjust to Boca’s aggressive start in front of their supporters.
From a strategic viewpoint, River’s approach will likely emphasize resilience in defense combined with quick transitions to exploit the spaces left by an aggressive Boca press. The match could hinge on minimizing errors and converting chances efficiently, given the pressure of a classic played in a stadium renowned for its intensity and atmosphere. The coaching staff will be attentive to match tempo, rotation needs, and the mental edge that comes from playing away while still preserving River’s own attacking identity.
A side note worth watching is the availability of the rest of the squad. Jonathan Maidana appears unlikely to feature, opening further questions about central defensive partnerships. Claudio Echeverri had been involved with the national team’s Under-17 squad and has faced an unusual congestion in the forward slots. His status reflects the broader challenge of managing a squad through a dense fixture schedule without overworking key players.
When it comes to the probable formation, River’s plans suggest a base that could resemble a compact 4-3-3 or a flexible 4-2-3-1, depending on how the midfield battles develop and how aggressively Boca presses. The expected lineup features Armani in goal, Casco or Simón on the right, Díaz in central defense, alongside Funes Mori or González Pírez, with Enzo Díaz likely to occupy the left-back spot in some variants. In midfield, a trio of Pérez, Aliendro, and De La Cruz could anchor the scene, while Fernández, Lanzini, Barco, and Solari compete for the attacking positions behind Borja or Rondón, who would lead the line depending on tactical read and form.
Overall, this encounter remains a pivotal moment in River Plates’ domestic campaign. It tests not only the physical preparedness of the squad but also the strategic adaptability of Demichelis as he weighs personnel choices against the nerve-wracking backdrop of one of football’s fiercest derbies. The result could shape confidence levels, influence upcoming rotations, and define how the club approaches the rest of the season as they chase both national and continental targets.