ARGENTINA
River vs. Boca, ready to write a new chapter in El Superclásico
The Buenos Aires giants will meet in El Monumental with both Demichelis and Almirón set to enjoy their first ever Superlásico game as coaches.
All eyes in Argentina and all around the world will focus on the Núñez neighbourhood of Buenos Aires as the Estadio El Monumental hosts El Superclásico as River Plate host Boca Juniors on Sunday night.
River are the form team in the Argentine league and top the table, holding a 16 point advantage of the Xeneizes who have struggled in the Primera Division after 14 matchdays.
Boca though, do have seemed to turn the corner and are on a run that includes victories in the Copa Libertadores against Deportivo Pereira and Colo-Colo as well as a draw against Rosario Central and a win over Racing.
River come into the game after the midweek humbling as they fell 5-1 to Fluminense at the Maracaná in the Libertadores and tonight’s game will be an interesting test to see if the Rio defeat has dented the morale of a team that has only lost twice in the league this season.
Demichelis set to taste first SuperClasico
River boss Martín Demichelis will not be able to count on Paulo Díaz, who is still struggling through injury but will be boosted by the return of both Enzo Pérez and Enzo Díaz who return from suspension.
Los Millonarios are expected to start with: Franco Armani; Milton Casco, Leandro González Pírez, Mammana, Enzo Díaz; Enzo Perez, Rodrigo Aliendro; Ignacio Fernández, Nicolás De La Cruz, Ezequiel Barco; and Lucas Beltran.
Boca boss Jorge Almirón will have to do without the suspended Martín Payero, sent off against Racing and his place could be taken by Cristian Medina. Nicolás Valentini will appear to form a line of three/five in which Luis Advíncula and Valentín Barco will act as full-backs.
Possible Xeneize XI: Sergio Romero; Advíncula, Facundo Roncaglia, Nicolás Figal, Valentini, Barco; Pol Fernandez, Alan Varela, Medina; Sebastian Villa and Luis Vazquez.
In official meetings in the past, Boca and River have faced each other 258 times with the side in blue and yellow holding the upper hand with 91 wins against River’s 84, with 83 games ending in a draw.