Banfield vs Boca Juniors Match Preview
Even though the Xeneizes have slowly recovered its level during the last weeks, the whole situation of this competition is a critical one for Tito Pompei and his squad, for the team is standing at the 15th position and will have to take on one of Argentina's most compact formations to climb a little higher. This week's most notable absence will be Juan Roman Riquelme, for this polemic midfielder has been experiencing problems in its right knee since the beginning of the year and will have to see the Operation room before being able to return to the starting squad. As if it wasn't enough Pompei will have to do without Gary Medel, Cristian Chavez and Luciano Monzon (all of them struggling with injuries). Juan Krupoviesa will be unable to perform (having seen the red card during last week's game) and Nicolas Gaitan will not perform, preserving this young driver for a deafening welcome at Portugal. So many complications will cloud team's coach judgment on this trip to the south, Jesus Mendez will occupy Riquelme's position, as it seems Boca's strategy will rely heavily on Martin Palermo, league's top striker and eternal legend at the Bombonera.
Julio Cesar Falcioni felt for the first time the crushing weight of failure as it seems luck has finally abandon the south. Elimination from the first round of the Knockouts in the Libertadores coupled with some disappointing performances home clouded team's future, but nonetheless both team's directives and players still believe in Falcioni's strategy, who will be missing its brightest star for this match; James Rodriguez obtained its fifth yellow card during last week's match, leaving an opportunity for young Mathias Cardacio to show his skills in the midfield, considering the Colombian midfielder will probably leave the team during July. But karmic balance works properly at the Florencio Sola, for Julio Barraza will be able to return to the starting eleven fully recovered from the leg pain that's been keeping him off performing during the last weeks. This has been the best year in Banfield's history at the First Division, and there's no better way to close it than with a victory at their own ground. Boca Juniors will be desperate for recovering its spirit, and if the Taladro turns that desperation into a weapon it looks like the three points will not abandon the south.
