River: The certainties that Marcelo Gallardo took away from Thursday’s training thinking about the Superclásico vs. Boca

The team is preparing for the match against Boca on Saturday at La Bombonera, and Muñeco is beginning to more firmly establish his starting eleven.

© River PressRiver trained with a view to the Superclásico.

The River squad, led by Marcelo Gallardo, trained on Thursday afternoon, leaving just one practice session before the Superclásico scheduled for this Saturday at La Bombonera. Following the training, Marcelo Gallardo gained some certainties regarding the final starting eleven.

One aspect concerns the physical condition of players who had been injured, specifically Fabricio Bustos, Maxi Meza, and Matias Kranevitter. While the right-back was able to recover after the last match, the situation concerning the two midfielders was more cautious due to muscle discomfort.

Nonetheless, the encouraging news from Thursday’s session at River Camp was that both players have shown significant improvement, making them potential participants in the Superclásico. Ultimately, it will be Gallardo’s decision on whether to take the risk. Notably, Meza did not even require medical examinations.

Starters, Substitutes, or a Mix? River’s Likely Lineup for the Superclásico

Friday will be a crucial day. River will train at 5 PM in Ezeiza and will then stay at the Hilton hotel in Puerto Madero. It will be important to observe if Gallardo conducts any tactical or set-piece drills during this last practice before the Superclásico, which could provide insight into his formation.

However, the expectation from Muñeco is to not field an alternative team. On the contrary, the coaching staff aims to deploy starting players who are fit and do not pose a risk for Tuesday’s match, while also taking care of those who are completely recovered. In this context, Bustos, Kranevitter, and Meza might play, but Gallardo could decide to rest them, as well as other key players like Miguel Borja, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña, and Nacho Fernández.

Paulo Díaz is confirmed to play since his red card in the first leg against Colo Colo, for which he apologized, excluded him from the rematch. Franco Armani is also expected to be in goal, aiming for his 300th match with River, along with other fast-recovering players such as Santiago Simón and Claudio Echeverri.

River’s squad trained on Thursday with a clear focus on their upcoming match against Boca Juniors at La Bombonera this Saturday, as coach Marcelo Gallardo begins to solidify his starting lineup.

© River Press

River Plate Gears Up for the Superclásico Against Boca Juniors

As the countdown begins for the Superclásico clash between River Plate and Boca Juniors at La Bombonera on Saturday, coach Marcelo Gallardo has expressed his anticipation for the match, structured around the players’ physical conditions and tactical readiness.

The Current Squad: Injuries and Recovery

During a training session on Thursday, River Plate’s squad focused on fine-tuning their strategies and assessing player fitness. Key individuals who have faced injury concerns include:

• Fabricio Bustos – Right back recovering post-match.
• Maxi Meza – Midfielder dealing with muscle discomfort.
• Matías Kranevitter – Another midfielder whose fitness remains critical.

The good news is that both Meza and Kranevitter showed promising signs during Thursday’s practice and could be added to the lineup by Gallardo, depending on their progress. Notably, Meza didn’t require any medical exams, indicating his readiness.

Friday’s Training Session: Key Decisions Ahead

Friday’s training session at Ezeiza is pivotal as Gallardo plans to finalize his starting eleven. He will evaluate each player’s condition to ensure the team is both competitive for the Superclásico and preserves players’ fitness for future matches.

Some significant considerations include:

• Assessing tactical formations and set-piece strategies.
• Deciding if any regular starters should be rested.

There’s a strong inclination from Gallardo to deploy his best lineup rather than an alternative team, ensuring optimal performance on matchday.

Probable Starting XI for the Superclásico

The probable team highlights key players who will likely feature in the Superclásico. Here’s a breakdown based on recent training and player conditions:

Position	Player	Status
Goalkeeper	Franco Armani	Ready
Defender	Fabricio Bustos	Injury Concern
Defender	Paulo Díaz	Confirmed Starter
Midfielder	Maxi Meza	Injury Concern
Midfielder	Matías Kranevitter	Injury Concern
Forward	Miguel Borja	Potential Starter
Midfielder	Germán Pezzella	Potential Starter
Midfielder	Marcos Acuña	Potential Starter
Midfielder	Nacho Fernández	Potential Starter
Forward	Santiago Simón	Recovered
Forward	Claudio Echeverri	Recovered

Coaching Strategy: Win with Caution

Gallardo is faced with the dual challenge of winning the Superclásico while managing player health as River Plate aims for long-term goals. While the desire to claim victory is high, the coaching staff must balance competitiveness with prudence. This strategy not only serves immediate objectives but also aligns with the broader ambitions for the season.

Given that the rivalry between River and Boca is steeped in history and passion, every decision made leading up to the match can drastically affect team morale and performance.

Superclásico: A Match Like No Other

The Superclásico is not just another game; it is a cultural phenomenon that captures millions of fans’ hearts. Known for its intensity and fierce rivalry, matches like these go beyond soccer, embodying national pride and regional loyalty.

Fan support and the electric atmosphere at La Bombonera will provide an additional challenge for River. The team’s preparation, coupled with strategic insights from coaching staff, aims to navigate this environment successfully.

In conclusion, River’s last practice before the Superclásico will be critical in determining the lineup and strategy moving forward. Fans will be eagerly anticipating not just the **lineup**, but the intensity and passion that will define this remarkable event.