Arruabarrena's Boca changes for O'Higgins at La Bombonera | OneFootball

Boca’s head coach is preparing several changes to the starting lineup that will take the field at La Bombonera for the first-leg clash in the Copa Sudamericana round of 32. The coaching staff is getting adjustments ready in almost every line to host O'Higgins.

Ahead of this crucial Thursday match, set to kick off at 9:30 p.m., Vasco Arruabarrena plans to make major changes compared to the eleven that took the field in the last match against Sarmiento in the Copa Argentina. The coaching staff’s main objective is to put together a setup with more attacking play in order to take the advantage in the series.

In goal, the new face will be Álvaro Montero, who will take the place of Leandro Brey. The Colombian will make his debut between the posts. The defense remains uncertain. While Nicolás Figal, Ayrton Costa, and Lautaro Blanco are all assured of a place, Uruguayan right-back Leandro Lozano picked up a minor issue in training and his spot in the starting eleven is not guaranteed; as a result, Dylan Gorosito could play.

Leandro Paredes could return to the starting lineup. Photo: Javier Martino/Prensa CABJ.

In midfield, the change most anticipated by Boca fans will be the return of captain Leandro Paredes in place of Milton Delgado. The club leader will bring authority and distribution through the center alongside Santiago Ascacíbar, allowing the buildup play to flow toward the creative trio made up of Alan Velasco, Tomás Aranda, and Sebastián Villa.

The Colombian forward is one of the new faces in the lineup, because Vasco would put him in the team just days after his return to the club. He would take the spot Leonel Flores had in Rosario. The focal point in the Xeneize attack will remain Miguel Merentiel.

Boca’s possible lineup vs. O'Higgins

To sum it up, and barring any last-minute issues in the final training session, Boca is expected to line up with: Álvaro Montero; Leandro Lozano or Dylan Gorosito, Nicolás Figal, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Santiago Ascacíbar, Leandro Paredes; Alan Velasco, Tomás Aranda, Sebastián Villa; and Miguel Merentiel.

Xeneize is putting the finishing touches in place ahead of hosting the Chilean side. Photo: Javier Martino/Prensa CABJ.

The club from La Ribera is approaching this Copa Sudamericana round of 32 tie with the highest expectations, knowing that building a comfortable lead against the Chilean team is essential in order to head into the return leg away from home with peace of mind. The board and coaching staff trust that this reshuffling of names will give the team the definitive quality boost it needs, after bringing in only three reinforcements so far.

Keep reading:

Alert at Boca: a starter has a minor issue and is doubtful for O'Higgins

Boca’s registered squad list for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana

Leandro Paredes returns to Boca after playing the final with a fracture

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