River Plate is not dwelling on their recent loss to Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores as they prepare for the important return leg next week in Brazil. Coach Marcelo Gallardo is resting all regular starters for Saturday’s match against Atlético Tucumán in Matchday 9 of the Clausura, according to Cadena 3.
Gallardo sees the Libertadores quarterfinal as the main focus and wants to avoid injuries to key players. Youngsters from the reserve team, who have shown promise, will get a chance to play at Estadio Monumental José Fierro.
River is currently second in Group B with 18 points, just one point behind Deportivo Riestra. Riestra moved to the top after their latest win but has played one extra game, giving Gallardo some flexibility to rotate his squad. However, a loss in Tucumán could tighten the competition.
The traveling squad will not include first-choice players, paving the way for Juan Cruz Meza and Bautista Dadín, who played half of the reserve match earlier this week. Santiago Lencina and Agustín De la Cuesta are also likely to be in the starting lineup.
The forward position could feature a mix of experience and youth. Academy forward Ian Subiabre is an option, but Miguel Borja is expected to lead the attack with his experience in an otherwise young team.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 9:15 p.m. local time, with live coverage on TNT Sports Premium. Facundo Tello will officiate the match, with José Carreras managing VAR.
Probable lineup
Jeremías Ledesma; Fabricio Bustos, Sebastián Boselli, Ulises Giménez, Milton Casco; Santiago Lencina, Agustín De la Cuesta, Juan Cruz Meza, Matías Galarza; Miguel Borja and Bautista Dadín.
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