Gallardo sets his tactics and line-up for the Superclásico at Boca | OneFootball

El Muñeco has in mind the team that will face Xeneize on Sunday in a new edition of the Superclásico.

Marcelo Gallardo is going through the final hours of an intense week at River, marked by the tough defeat against Gimnasia de La Plata at the Monumental and the relief brought by the confirmation of his continuity until December 2026. The news arrived at just the right moment, on the eve of the Superclásico at La Bombonera, where Muñeco will look for a victory to relaunch the team and restore lost confidence.

Montiel and Driussi, nursing injuries but optimistic

The main focus of the coaching staff is on the recovery of the injured players, and the news is encouraging. Gonzalo Montiel and Sebastián Driussi are progressing well and trained with the ball, although they have not yet been medically cleared.

Montiel, who suffered a mild sprain in his left knee, has shown a speedy recovery and is aiming to make it just in time. Driussi, for his part, is in the final stage of rehabilitation from a strain in his left hamstring, an injury that kept him out of the Copa Argentina semifinal against Independiente Rivadavia.

Gallardo does not want to rush things and will wait until the last moment to decide if both can start. In any case, they will be included in the squad list, while the coaching staff evaluates them in the final training sessions.

Enzo Pérez, the return of experience

In a high-tension match, Gallardo is betting on hierarchy. Enzo Pérez would return to the starting eleven after 46 days of inactivity, to provide balance and leadership in midfield. His partner has yet to be decided: Colombian Kevin Castaño and Giuliano Galoppo are competing for that spot.

Additionally, the coach is considering returning to the 3-4-1-2 system, the same one used in River's last victory at La Bombonera. If Montiel returns, the team could line up with three center backs and two wing-backs, with Juanfer Quintero as playmaker and Driussi alongside Maxi Salas in attack.

The changes and the probable lineup

If both injured players are fit, Gallardo would make four changes compared to the team that lost to Gimnasia: Montiel for Bustos, Enzo Pérez for Castaño, Galoppo for Colidio and Driussi for Subiabre.

River is playing for much more than three points

The Superclásico is not just about pride and history: River is looking to overtake Boca in the annual standings and move closer to qualifying for the 2026 Copa Libertadores. In this context, the clash at La Bombonera could mark a turning point in the season and in Gallardo's tenure, as he once again bets on faith, experience, and the strength of his vision.

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