Paredes back for Boca, Úbeda may start Ander Herrera in Superclásico | OneFootball

Boca shifts into first gear in the most crucial week of the final stretch of the year. The Superclásico is coming up, offering a golden opportunity for the Xeneize to secure qualification for the next Copa Libertadores after two years without playing in it, with the added bonus of potentially pushing River down in the annual standings. In this context, Claudio Úbeda has already started planning a starting eleven that will feature the return of Leandro Paredes and could see Ander Herrera’s surprise inclusion.

Although Tuesday will be the first training session and it’s still too early to confirm the lineup, the truth is that the coaching staff has been maintaining a core group that will only undergo minor tweaks. At this point, the only confirmed change is the world champion’s return to the midfield, replacing Tomás Belmonte.

Could there be another change? Yes, because the Spaniard has shown he’s still at the top of his game after five consecutive impressive appearances off the bench, bringing a dose of intelligence and talent that is rare in Argentine football every time he plays.

In sync with Paredes from their time at PSG, and with a good connection with Milton Delgado—especially when they formed a trio against Barracas Central—Úbeda is considering starting him on Sunday against River. The player who might be dropped, should the coaching staff opt for the Basque as a starter, is Carlos Palacios, who still hasn’t convinced.

Herrera has been a key card for the Xeneize in practically every match. Just look back at the big win over Pincha, where he provoked Gabriel Neves’ sending off and, minutes later, won the penalty that Miguel Merentiel converted into a goal.

For all these reasons, Boca is considering this option and will likely test it in the coming days during tactical drills to see if it works. If it doesn’t fully convince, the only change to the starting eleven compared to the win over Estudiantes would be Paredes for Belmonte.

The defense remains unchanged despite Juan Barinaga’s scare in La Plata—he was subbed off at 61 minutes as a precaution—and even less so the attack, which is now enjoying its most effective spell with Exequiel Zeballos joining the double striker partnership (Milton Giménez–Miguel Merentiel). Edinson Cavani is all set to be called up after several absences, although his lack of match fitness will likely see him start on the bench against River.

Boca’s probable lineup against River Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Milton Delgado, Leandro Paredes, Carlos Palacios or Ander Herrera; Miguel Merentiel, Milton Giménez, and Exequiel Zeballos. Coach: Claudio Úbeda.

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