River Plate is set to embark on its campaign in the Copa Argentina, as they face Ciudad de Bolívar on Tuesday evening at the La Pedrera stadium in Villa Mercedes. Coach Marcelo Gallardo has made significant changes to the squad, encouraging hope among fans seeking a turnaround following two consecutive defeats and a concerning dip in performance.
Notably absent from the lineup are key players Franco Armani and Marcos Acuña. Armani remains sidelined due to an ongoing rehabilitation for a calf injury and heel discomfort, which means Santiago Beltrán will step in as the starting goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Acuña has not been included in the squad due to a fever, with young talent Facundo González taking his place.
This alteration has also led to a defensive reshuffling. Gallardo is expected to rely on experienced defenders such as Lucas Martínez Quarta, Gonzalo Montiel, Paulo Díaz, and Matías Viña to form a solid backline, especially crucial after the team’s recent elimination from the Copa Libertadores.
Returning to the starting XI is Fausto Vera, who missed the previous match due to suspension. Vera’s presence in midfield is anticipated to stabilize the team alongside Aníbal Moreno and Tomás Galván. The synergy between Vera and Moreno has been notably effective, and Vera’s absence was keenly felt in the last match against Argentinos Juniors.
Given the current state of River Plate’s performance, there is an urgent need for an emotional boost and a clear footballing identity for the fans. Gallardo is not only aiming to progress to the next round but also looking to halt the adverse streak that has affected team morale.
Tactical changes are expected in River Plate’s approach, shifting from a previous formation that relied on three central defenders to a more offensive setup. The inclusion of Paulo Díaz and Matías Viña in defense, along with Vera’s return to midfield, suggests a strategy focused on taking control of the game. In the attack, continuity for Agustín Ruberto is anticipated, along with a competitive selection between Facundo Colidio, Maximiliano Salas, and Ian Subiabre.
The probable starting lineup consists of: Santiago Beltrán; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Paulo Díaz, Matías Viña; Fausto Vera, Aníbal Moreno, Tomás Galván; Juan Fernando Quintero; Agustín Ruberto; and either Colidio, Salas, or Subiabre.
Additionally, 16-year-old Kendry Páez, a promising Ecuadorian recruit, has been included in the squad and might make his official debut for River. Juan Fernando Quintero is expected to play a key role in attacking play, driving the offense forward.
Sebastián Driussi will not participate in this match due to technical decisions from the coaching staff, though his return is anticipated for the upcoming clash against Vélez Sarsfield this Sunday.
With a mix of youth and experience, River Plate’s squad aims to regain its winning ways and instill confidence ahead of an important matchup in the Copa Argentina.