Boca Juniors vs Argentinos Juniors Preview

Topics: Boca Juniors, Argentinos Juniors, Torneo Final

Boosted by their crucial Copa Libertadores victory over Nacional on Thursday, Boca Juniors will be looking to get back on track in their domestic campaign against Argentinos Juniors.

Boca Juniors, Argentina's most widely supported club, started off 2013 in woeful form, with a number of disappointing results both in the league and the Copa Libertadores, but their vital 1-0 victory over Nacional in Montevideo for South America's biggest club competition should inspire them, as many believed they had no chance of beating the Uruguayans.

Boca, who languish in 16th position of the Torneo Final, with only five points from five rounds, are more than aware of the fact that if they don't manage to overcome Argentinos Juniors at the Bombonera stadium on Sunday they would have little hope of fighting for the title, as league leaders Lanus already find themselves with 13 points.

Like he did in the 1-1 draw against Atletico Rafaela last weekend, Carlos Bianchi, the coach of Boca, is expected to field a side mainly consisting of reserves, as the club's main priority this season is the Copa Libertadores.

Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, who scored Boca's winner against Nacional, is unlikely to feature in the game as won't Clemente Rodriguez, Guillermo Burdisso, Cristian Erbes and Lucas Viatri.

However, Walter Erviti and Juan Manuel Martinez, who started the game with Nacional, have been confirmed in Boca's starting eleven, as will usually-prolific Uruguayan striker Santiago Silva, who hasn't taken part in the side's last two international contests due to underperformance in the eyes of Bianchi.

Rivals Argentinos Juniors currently lie bottom of the 20-team league, and will be absolutely desperate to pull off a massive upset at the Bombonera. With just one point from a possible 15 this season, the side from La Paternal are evidently experiencing a massive crisis.

For the clash, Argentinos will count with the return of Anibal Matellan, who was sent off against Godoy Cruz, while Nicolas Freire will replace Nicolas Batista and Pablo Hernandez will take the place of Leonel Nunez in the attack.