Midfield the main question for River as they visit Racing | OneFootball

With several soldiers once again available and the imminent reintegration of the two players called up for the FIFA date, Kevin Castaño and Matías Galarza, it is a fact that River's lineup to visit Racing, in a new "clásico del morbo", will change considerably. The defense will be almost completely renewed, but the real dilemma for Marcelo Gallardo lies in the midfield. That's where the main doubt is.

Midweek, and still with several training sessions to go before visiting the Cilindro next Monday, the certainties lie in the back: Gonzalo Montiel - who is on the road to recovery from a knee sprain and is expected to make it - Lucas Martínez Quarta and Marcos Acuña will return to the starting lineup, the latter two after serving their suspension for accumulating yellow cards.

In this regard, the injured Fabricio Bustos (who will be absent for approximately a month) and Milton Casco will leave the team, but Juan Portillo, who played as a center-back in the draw against Vélez, has a chance to remain from the start by moving to the center.

Therefore, the crux of the matter for River at this time is whether to incorporate the Colombian and dominate the midfield, alongside two classic central midfielders like Enzo Pérez and Juan Portillo, or to dispense with one of these three names to give another chance to Santiago Lencina or Giuliano Galoppo. The captain is halfway in.

If "El Muñeco" bets on the youngster or the former Banfield player, it will be a more offensive eleven, with greater presence in the opponent's area and goal, since Juan Fernando Quintero will be the partner in the three-quarters. If he opts for the trio of positional midfielders, it will be a tougher and more balanced River, with the left-footed player as a playmaker and two forwards.

Is the forward line untouchable? Nothing can be assured one hundred percent in this River in crisis. Against his former club, to which he recently scored a goal to eliminate them from the Copa Argentina, Maximiliano Salas seems not to be part of the discussion as a possible change. Even though his level has dropped considerably. However, it should not be ruled out that if Facundo Colidio responds well to the demands, Sebastián Driussi might be taken out.

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