A victory over Barcelona at the Bombonera stadium would allow Boca Juniors to take a giant step towards the Round of 16 stage of the Copa Libertadores, but anything less than the three points could complicate passage into the knock-out stage.
Boca, who have lifted the Copa Libertadores six times, picked up a massive 1-0 victory over Nacional in Montevideo in their most recent match for the competition, and despite having lost both of their games at the Bombonera stadium, will rate their chances of overcoming the Ecuadorians.
Los Xeneizes beat Barcelona 2-1 in Ecuador earlier in the competition courtesy of goals from Juan Manuel Martinez and Claudio Perez, and will be hoping to repeat the feat in front of their home fans.
Carlos Bianchi, the coach of Boca, rested a number of his key players in the 1-1 draw with Independiente for the Argentine Torneo Final on Sunday, for precaution ahead of the crucial clash with Barcelona.
Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme will take his place in the starting eleven, and is expected to pull the strings in the Boca midfield, while Lucas Viatri will replace Santiago Silva, who scored against Independiente, in the Boca attack.
Recent signing, Ribair Rodriguez, was rested for the clash with Independiente, but will reinforce the Boca midfield against Barcelona, as will Walter Erviti, who missed out on the Buenos Aires derby due to suspension.
Rivals Barcelona come into the contest in fine form, after having thumped Deportivo Cuenca 4-0 in the Ecuadorian league on Saturday.
Barcelona, who fought out a goalless draw with Toluca in their last Copa Libertadores outing, are more than aware that a defeat would put an end to their chances of reaching the Round of 16 stage, and for that reason will arrive in Buenos Aires with their strongest-possible squad.
Gustavo Costas, the Argentine coach of the side, is expected to approach the game with defensive-minded tactics, but will be looking to hurt the hosts on the counterattack. He will field a solid side, with Ariel Nahuelpan, formerly of Racing de Santander, the lone striker up front.
Boca's last four matches
Mar 31, 2013: Independiente 1-1 Boca Juniors (Argentine League)
Mar 21, 2013: Excursionistas 0-4 Boca Juniors (Copa Argentina)
Mar 17, 2013: Boca Juniors 1-1 Argentinos (Argentine League)
Mar 14, 2013: Nacional 0-1 Boca Juniors (Copa Libertadores)
Barcelona's last four matches
Mar 30, 2013: Barcelona 4-0 Deportivo Cuena (Ecuadorian League)
Mar 24, 2013: Universidad Catolica 0-2 Barcelona (Ecuadorian League)
Mar 13, 2013: Barcelona 0-0 Toluca (Copa Libertadores)
Mar 10, 2013: Barcelona 1-0 Macara (Ecuadorian League)
Facts
- Boca Juniors have won only one out of five home games this season, with that win coming against Quilmes in the opening round of the Argentine Torneo Final.
- Barcelona are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, with three wins and two draws.
