River Plate have kicked off the Argentine Torneo Inicial in superb style, with three wins from three, and will be looking to extend that number when they battle with Buenos Aires rivals San Lorenzo.
Since the return of coach Ramon Diaz after a decade, River have shown early signs of great things to come and are fully aware of the fact that if they manage to beat San Lorenzo and second-placed Lanus lose or draw on their visit to Racing Club they would climb into top spot.
River, who returned to the Argentine top-flight midway through last year, after spending a year in the Argentine second division, have assembled an extremely solid unit, which contains high-quality players such as Rodrigo Mora, Manuel Lanzini, Juan Iturbe and French striker David Trezeguet.
On Friday Diaz announced that Mauro Diaz will replace Lanzini, who will be sidelined for at least the next three games after injuring his shoulder.
That change will be the only one in reference to the starting eleven that took the field in River's 3-2 victory over Tigre at the Monumental last weekend.
Despite rumours that he would start the game, Iturbe, who has been in fine form since joining the club from FC Porto, will have to settle for a place on the substitute's bench.
River's attack will comprise of Mora and Trezeguet, while Carlos Luna, River's top-scorer with three goals, will have to wait for his opportunity from the bench.
Meanwhile, opponents San Lorenzo have drawn all three of their matches so far this season, and will be desperate to inflict a defeat upon their city rivals.
A great concern for San Lorenzo is that attacking midfielder Ignacio Piatti, one of their key players, is struggling with a groin strain. If he doesn't recover in time for the game he will be replaced by Franco Jara.
San Lorenzo's last four matches
Feb 22, 2013: Estudiantes 1-1 San Lorenzo (Argentine League)
Feb 16, 2013: San Lorenzo 0-0 Belgrano (Argentine League)
Feb 9, 2013: San Martin 0-0 San Lorenzo (Argentine League)
Feb 1, 2013: Estudiantes 0-1 San Lorenzo (Pre-season Friendly)
River Plate's last four matches
Feb 24, 2013: River Plate 3-2 Tigre (Argentine League)
Feb 17, 2013: River Plate 1-0 Estudiantes (Argentine League)
Feb 10, 2013: Belgrano 1-2 River Plate (Argentine League)
Feb 2, 2013: River Plate 2-1 Boca Juniors (Pre-season Friendly)
Facts
- The last time River Plate had won their first three league matches was back in 1988.
- The last three meetings between the sides ended in draws, with two of those ending goalless.
- San Lorenzo is the only club belonging to Buenos Aires' 'big five' to have never lifted the Copa Libertadores.
