Two surprises: Boca’s line-up to face Deportivo Riestra | OneFootball

Boca kicks off its journey in the Torneo Apertura against Deportivo Riestra this Sunday at 18:30, with the need to start the year on the right foot to fuel their hopes. The preseason trials will move to the pitch of La Bombonera, and Claudio Úbeda has decided to bet on the 4-3-3 tactical system, but also with two surprising names.

The main surprise will be out of necessity: while the management is trying to sign a center forward in the transfer market, today the only option the coach has due to injuries is Lucas Janson. The former Vélez player, who is naturally a second striker or winger, will have to play as a number 9 in the debut.

Of course, this unexpected appearance in Boca's first team against Riestra is directly related to the complex situation Úbeda is facing in that area. The absence of Merentiel is compounded by the physical issues of Edinson Cavani (lower back pain) and Milton Giménez (groin pain), who have been dealing with discomfort since the start of the preseason.

The second novelty in the xeneize lineup is the emergence of Tomás Belmonte to complete the trio with Leandro Paredes and Ander Herrera, a man who has refined his physical condition and earned a key spot at the start of 2026.

With the presence of the Spaniard along with the world champion, the flow and circulation are guaranteed. This explains why the former Lanús player, with his dynamism, has won the spot over Milton Delgado at Boca. Physical, versatile, and with a knack for scoring (he recently scored against Olimpia in the last preseason friendly), he becomes the engine of a midfield that, without him, has good technique but lacks mobility. His ability to contribute on both sides will be crucial.

The probable Boca lineup vs. Deportivo Riestra, for the Torneo Apertura

Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Tomás Belmonte, Leandro Paredes, Ander Herrera; Exequiel Zeballos, Lucas Janson, Alan Velasco.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.