Úbeda tests Boca’s usual line-up ahead of Olimpia clash | OneFootball

Claudio Úbeda surprised everyone during Friday's tactical session and, unlike the lineup filled with substitutes he had tried on Thursday, he repeated the same Boca formation that recently drew in the first friendly of the year against Millonarios. Given this scenario, it seems the coach aims to give the team's core some playtime in the upcoming match against Olimpia on Sunday.

In the midst of preseason and with the debut in the Apertura against Deportivo Riestra just around the corner, logic suggested that Sifón would rest those better-regarded players who couldn't get past a draw at La Bombonera last Sunday, especially to avoid strains and future injuries.

However, in the morning practice, Úbeda defied all predictions and confirmed the same Boca lineup, with a 4-3-3 formation and the presence of Ander Herrera and Brian Aguirre as starters. Thus, it appears the coach's plan is to give playtime and football rhythm in San Nicolás to those he currently sees in the best condition to start the official competition.

Already ruled out for facing Olimpia in the second—and last friendly—of the preparation phase, Edinson Cavani (lower back pain), Carlos Palacios (synovitis), Milton Giménez (pubalgia), and Rodrigo Battaglia (Achilles tendon tendinopathy) did not participate in the tactical session. All four aim to be available next weekend against Riestra, in Boca's debut.

The Boca lineup Úbeda set up for Olimpia

Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado; Brian Aguirre, Miguel Merentiel, and Exequiel Zeballos.

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