Riestra now: goal drought, international bow and 'Nigerian Hazard' riddle | OneFootball

In the lead-up to this Friday’s clash at 5:15 p.m. against Unión at the 15 de Abril Stadium, journalist Francisco Páez analyzed the current situation of the Pompeya team on Radio Gol 96.7. Riestra arrives in Santa Fe on a negative run of 15 matches without a win, in the midst of a process of adapting to the top flight and to its imminent debut in international cups.

The results crisis and the departure of a key figure

Páez identified two key factors to explain the team’s difficult moment. First, the departure of Milton Céliz, who had been captain and a fundamental leader in the club’s structure. Second, a clear attacking deficit: Riestra has scored just three goals so far in the tournament (two by Alonso and one by Nicolás Venegas), which shows a lack of efficiency in closing out matches that, according to the reporter, it at times deserved to win, such as against Newell’s or San Lorenzo.

The Copa debut and the “first-choice XI” for Santa Fe

Despite next Wednesday’s international commitment against Palestino at the Nuevo Gasómetro, Páez said that coach Gustavo Benítez would field his best lineup against the “Tatengue.” “He’s going with the first-choice XI, with the usual starters; any changes could be more for the Copa,” he said.

The journalist ventured a possible lineup of: Ignacio Arce; Nicolás Sansotre, Cristian Paz, Juan Randazzo, Mariano Bracamonte and Rodrigo Gallo; Matías García, Pablo Monje and Antony Alonso; Alexander Díaz or Johnson Nsumoh and Jonathan Herrera.

Expectations around Johnson Nsumoh: the “Nigerian Hazard”

One of the biggest curiosities in the Riestra camp is the arrival of Johnson Nsumoh, a Nigerian forward coming from Slovakia’s lower divisions. After playing 90 minutes for the reserve team against Newell’s, where he showed flashes of speed, dribbling, and “hip-swiveling”, there is a chance he could get minutes in Santa Fe or make his official debut in the Copa.

The objective: Pick up points to avoid the specter of relegation

Finally, Páez warned about the importance of getting points in the remaining rounds of this tournament. With playoff qualification almost impossible, Riestra must focus on improving its average. “If it doesn’t get at least 6 of the 12 points still at stake, it knows that in the next tournament it will be fighting relegation,” he concluded, comparing the club’s current situation to what Godoy Cruz experienced last season.

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