With Enzo Pérez, the line-up Gallardo is planning for River’s trip to Vélez | OneFootball

Unexpectedly, River is playing for the year in Liniers. With no room for error, the Millionaires must win and wait for other results to determine their final position in the annual table and, therefore, their qualification for international cups in 2026. For this match against Vélez, Marcelo Gallardo is considering relying once again on Enzo Pérez, his captain.

In the absence of Kevin Castaño, who has been irreplaceable since his arrival, the "Muñeco" would bet on the 39-year-old from Mendoza, who hasn't played for almost two months. He would form a tandem in the midfield with Juan Carlos Portillo to seek a balance between the physical sacrifice of one and the wisdom of the other. It has been demonstrated in his appearances as a starter that the "Sicario" would greatly benefit from having a nearby and easy outlet.

Thus, Enzo could return to play after that deep cut suffered against Palmeiras in Brazil on September 24. More than 53 days have passed, and the Millionaire idol hasn't added any minutes since then. The relationship with the coach remains good, although the player is not happy with his situation because he believes he should be playing more minutes.

His entry would be for Lucas Martínez Quarta, suspended due to five yellow cards. Paulo Díaz and Lautaro Rivero will remain as the central duo. Additionally, both full-backs will change: Gonzalo Montiel will be rested due to his knee problems and will be replaced by Fabricio Bustos; on the other side, Milton Casco would replace Marcos Acuña, also suspended for reaching the limit of bookings.

Besides the double pivot, in the midfield, a spot is contested by Giuliano Galoppo, close to fulfilling the objectives that would trigger the purchase obligation; and Santiago Lencina, who resolved his contractual issue and signed until the end of 2028. They will be joined by Juan Fernando Quintero, who will return to the starting lineup with the full weight of the offensive play on his shoulders.

In attack, despite not having shown his best physical and football form, Sebastián Driussi will return to form the offensive duo with Maximiliano Salas, another who is on a downward trend. Without Facundo Colidio, the alternatives from the bench will be Miguel Ángel Borja, already with one foot out of River, Ian Subiabre, and Cristian Jaime.

The probable River lineup vs. Vélez Franco Armani; Fabricio Bustos, Paulo Díaz, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuña; Giuliano Galoppo or Santiago Lencina, Enzo Pérez, Juan Carlos Portillo; Juan Fernando Quintero; Sebastián Driussi and Maximiliano Salas.

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