Velez Sarsfield vs River Plate - Argentina's Apertura 2010 Match Preview

When your rival's coach states you are the natural candidate for the title, it is clear half match is won. Miguel Angel Cappa cannot ignore the uncanny strength of Velez's squad, but River itself has shown numerous reasons to be taken seriously for this year's title fight. River Plate might finally escape from the relegation fight, as the mediocre performance of the last seasons doomed Cappa's boys to a restless battle. A draw will be worthless for both teams, who would bag this Apertura's six pointer?

One week ago, Velez was without a doubt the strongest team in Argentina's Apertura.. Perfect scoring, perfect natural interaction between midfielder and striker and much more. But first Boca Juniors last Sunday and later on Banfield for the Copa Sudamericana had given Ricardo Gareca's boys an opportunity to taste the bitterness of a defeat. Many problems appeared in these last two matches and Gareca should find some answers soon not to be overwhelmed by the lack of results.

 

The main reason for Velez's supremacy is the continuity of the squad. Most of the players have been for over one and a half years with Ricardo Gareca and have already understand his perspective of the game. Velez's back line is one of the toughest in the league, even though Nicolas Otamendi's departure weakened the defense. For this match the situation might be even worse, as Sebastian Dominguez is still struggling with injuries and might not be ready to perform.

 

Velez can deploy weapons of mass destruction on the offense, as Maximiliano Moralez, Matias Martinez and Santiago Silva are indeed three fearsome players. Moralez has been missing the last games for some physical problems, and Burrito Martinez might not yet be ready to perform for Sunday's derby. Gareca has many alternatives on the squad, but the bridges built between these three players are solidly established and their absence would not allow Velez to be as aggressive as the Fortin can be. Velez has scored in every single match in this competition and will be looking forward to healing soon from its wounds.

Miguel Angel Cappa is once again rescuing a team from its very ashes, and River Plate would be hopeless without this experienced coach. He was given everything he ever asked for, and River formed an unstoppable team, balanced between the experience of legendary players (Matias Almeyda and Ariel Ortega, for example, both over 36 years old) and the versatility of young promises (as Manuel Lanzini, aged only 17).

 

Argentina's relegation system forces River to be utterly cautious this season, as the weak performance of the team in the last tournaments cannot be forgot by four successful confrontations. But the players are not worried by this fact, and much of this has to do with Juan Pablo Carrizo's security between the posts, who has returned to the Millonarios squad to save the team from the shame of relegation. His interaction with the defense and Matias Almeyda has been outstanding, but for this clash Miguel Angel Cappa will most likely have to do without Alexis Ferrari, struggling with injuries. This shouldn't be a concern normally, es Adalberto Roman is the natural replacement for Ferrero, but he's on duty with Paraguay's National Football Team in Japan for a friendly match. 

 

Another absent for this match will be Diego Buonanotte, who has not pleased team's manager with his performance in these first matches. Lanzini will assume the role of main creator, joining Ariel Ortega in the last meters of the field. Rogelio Funes Mori, Apertura's top striker will be responsible for capitalizing their offenses into goals, a role that fits him naturally. One of Velez's main strengths is their aerial play, and River should carefully defend their goal against Santiago Silva's deadly header.

 

The Monumental will host a decisive match for everyone in this league; From the relegation strugglers to the candidates for the title, everyone's eyes will be at Nuñez late this Sunday.. who will claim the full scoring?

River has a loose margin over Velez. On 167 professional matches River celebrated 82 victories (almost 50% efficiency) over 45 for Velez. River has scored 84 goals ahead of its rival in these confrontations (286 to 198). But it's been over two years, back in Clausura 2008, since River lastly obtained a triumph.