After defeating Sporting Cristal, the millionaire began mapping out the next steps for Red, but with Friday off and a rehearsal slate on Saturday, the plan stays on ice for a moment. River Plate’s bold move in the Professional League showed seven consecutive wins behind an unbeaten fence and a comfortable lead of six points over San Lorenzo, a performance that earned a return to the Copa Libertadores where a 4-2 victory over Sporting Cristal marked the club’s first triumph in that competition. Yet the focus quickly shifts back to domestic duties with the Superclásico looming on the horizon.
In pursuit of widening the gap at the top, River’s leadership is tied to a clash steeped in history: Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. the team will host Independiente at the Monumental. Independiente, who has not captured a win since date 1, arrives buoyed by a recent draw in the Avellaneda derby against Racing, under the direction of manager Zielinski from Russia.
THE RIVER HAS BEEN CALLED
As has been the pattern since Martín Demichelis took charge, the squad settled into light work at River Camp on Thursday, shortly after the donors’ pledge, with the welcome news that there were no injuries or players dealing with discomfort. Friday was a scheduled off day for the players, with a team reunion planned for Saturday. Those available but not called to the Peruvian square-up could welcome back Robert Rojas and Franco Alfonso, who had been in the mix but watched at a distance for the moment.
THE FORMATION OF THE RIVER
Even with midweek fixtures continuing, Demichelis appears unlikely to alter his approach against Red, aiming to field the same core lineup while potentially recalling Rodrigo Aliendro in place of Nicolás De La Cruz to spare the latter after recurrent synovitis kept him sidelined. Attention also turns to Enzo Díaz and Pérez, both on four yellow cards, who could be spared if necessary for the kiss-and-tell duel against Bocao on the two-match slate. The expected starting XI features Franco Armani in goal; Milton Casco, Leandro González Pírez, Paulo Díaz, and Enzo Díaz in defense; Enzo Pérez, Rodrigo Aliendro, Nacho Fernández, and Esequiel Barco in midfield; with Lucas Beltrán and Salomón Rondón up front.
ALTERNATIVE
To confirm.
Source: Goal