River Sets Lineup for Superclásico with Aníbal Moreno in Doubt

River has already put the win over Racing at the Monumental behind it, and everyone around Mundo River has their mind on a single name: Boca. The Superclásico is approaching, and Leo Ponzio has his eyes fixed on the medical room, since the evolution of a couple of players will determine much of the lineup that takes the field at La Bombonera.

Juan Patricio Balbi appeared on ESPN F12 and detailed how the Millonario is shaping up for the most anticipated match of the season. The good news comes at left back: Marcos Acuña is ready to return and would reclaim the spot Ortega had been filling in for him. There isn't much doubt at the back, and on top of that, Lucas Martínez Quarta is back as well. He missed the Racing match due to suspension and would now return as the starting center back.

The problem, as has been the case in recent weeks, is in midfield. River arrives off six wins in its last eight matches, but the engine room remains a question mark until the very last moment. Fausto Vera is nursing a strained muscle and would be a close call, while Aníbal Moreno is dealing with lower back discomfort and will need testing to confirm whether he's fit to play. Ponzio, however, sounded confident that the midfielder would be available for the derby.

If Moreno ultimately can't make it, the options the coaching staff is weighing are Mauro Arambarri and Lucas Silva, two choices that would give the midfield a different look but would remain as a backup plan until the medical doubt is cleared up.

Up front, meanwhile, there doesn't seem to be much uncertainty. Lucas Beltrán remains the starting striker, and with each passing match he looks looser, more confident, and better plugged into the team's rhythm. That leaves Sebastián Driussi as the option off the bench for the Superclásico.

River's Possible Lineup

With all this in mind, the team Ponzio would field against Boca would be: Santiago Beltrán; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña; Tobías Andrada, Aníbal Moreno, Tomás Galván; Ángel Correa, Thiago Almada and Lucas Beltrán.

There are still hours to go before everything is finalized, especially what happens with Moreno's tests. But the core of the lineup is more or less set, and River is getting ready to walk into La Bombonera hoping to keep adding to a run that has the team playing well both at home and on the road.