River Plate and Boca Juniors lock horns in what is arguably one of the most important derby matches in world soccer at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Sunday.
River, who spent last season in the Argentine Second Division for the first time in their 110-year history, will be desperate to inflict defeat upon Boca, not only because of the fierce rivalry between the sides but because if they manage to obtain the three points they would draw level on points with fifth-placed Boca.
Los Millonarios currently find themselves in 11th position of the 20-team Argentine First Division, and are more than aware that if they fail to overcome their rivals, they could drop into the ghastly danger zone.
They come into the game having lost 1-0 to Quilmes in their latest league outing last weekend, however, in their previous two encounters they absolutely hammered Godoy Cruz 5-0 and Arsenal 4-0, results which were definitely appreciated by then-underfire coach Matias Almeyda.
Almeyda, who refused to predict the outcome of the derby to reporters, will be able to count with the services of 1998 French World Cup winner David Trezeguet, who is expected to partner Uruguayan striker Rodrigo Mora in the River Plate attack.
Meanwhile, Boca enter the derby in slightly worse form than their rivals, as Julio Falcioni's side haven't won in their last four league games, which included unexpected defeats to Lanus and Belgrano de Cordoba.
Boca, who for many were favoured to win the championship, have failed to find an effective game plan since the departure of former playmaker and club idol Juan Roman Riquelme and are eight points adrift from league leaders Newell's Old Boys. But Boca have won the last three superclasicos, with the last one in the league coming in the form of a 2-0 victory at the Bombonera stadium in May of 2011. Due to this, Los Xeneizes will rate their chances of returning home with the three points.
Falcioni has selected his best-possible starting eleven, which includes 39-year-old defender Rolando Schiavi, who will feature in his 11th and last superclasico after having announced that he will bring an end to his career in December.
Boca's strike-force will comprise of Lucas Viatri and Santiago Silva, while Walter Erviti will sit behind the front two in a creative role.
A crowd of 60,000 is expected at Buenos Aires' Monumental stadium, with only 5,000 of them being Boca Juniors supporters.
River's last four matches
Oct 21, 2012: Quilmes 1-0 River Plate (Torneo Inicial)
Oct 7, 2012: River Plate 5-0 Godoy Cruz (Torneo Inicial)
Sep 30, 2012: Arsenal 0-4 River Plate (Torneo Inicial)
Sep 23, 2012: River Plate 0-1 Racing Club (Torneo Inicial)
Boca's last four matches
Oct 21, 2012: Boca Juniors 0-0 Estudiantes (Torneo Inicial)
Oct 7, 2012: Belgrano 3-1 Boca Juniors (Torneo Inicial)
Sep 30, 2012: Boca Juniors 1-1 San Martin (Torneo Inicial)
Sep 23, 2012: Lanus 2-0 Boca Juniors (Torneo Inicial)
Facts
- In 89 home games over the years, River have beaten Boca 34 times, drawn 31 and lost 24.
- Boca have won the last three superclasicos, by scoring a total of five goals and conceding zero.
- In 188 official matches between the sides, Boca have won 69 derbies compared to River's 62, while there have been 57 draws.
