With Enzo Pérez, the team Gallardo has in mind for River’s trip to Vélez | OneFootball

Unexpectedly, River is playing for its entire year in Liniers. With no margin for error, the Millonario must win and wait for other results to determine its final position in the annual standings and, therefore, its qualification for international cups in 2026. For this match against Vélez, Marcelo Gallardo is considering putting his trust once again in 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 midfield alongside Juan Carlos Portillo, seeking a balance between one’s physical sacrifice and the other’s wisdom. It has been proven in his appearances as a starter that Sicario would greatly benefit from having a close and easy partner to rely on.

Thus, Enzo could return to play after that deep cut he suffered against Palmeiras in Brazil on September 24. More than 53 days have passed, and the Millonario idol hasn’t played a single minute since then. His relationship with the coach remains good, although the player is not happy with his situation because he believes he should be getting more minutes.

He would come in for Lucas Martínez Quarta, who is suspended due to five yellow cards. Paulo Díaz and Lautaro Rivero will remain as the central defensive pair. In addition, both fullbacks will be changed: 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, who is also suspended after reaching the yellow card limit.

Besides the double pivot, Giuliano Galoppo, who is close to meeting the objectives that would trigger a mandatory purchase, and Santiago Lencina, who resolved his contract situation and signed until the end of 2028, are competing for a spot in midfield. Joining them will be Juan Fernando Quintero, who will return to the starting lineup with all the responsibility for the team’s offensive play on his shoulders.

In attack, despite not having shown his best physical and footballing form, Sebastián Driussi will once again form the offensive duo with Maximiliano Salas, another player who has been struggling. Without Facundo Colidio, the options from the bench will be Miguel Ángel Borja, who is already on his way 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.