Independiente vs Boca Juniors Preview

Topics: Independiente, Boca Juniors, Argentine League

Boca Juniors will be hoping to pick up a crucial victory when they take on Independiente in what promises to be a heated Buenos Aires derby.

Argentine giants Boca Juniors travel to the Libertadores de America stadium to do battle with Independiente knowing that if they don't rack up the three points they will fall far too behind league leaders Lanus.

Boca, who have not managed to claim a victory in their last five matches for the Torneo Final, have struggled to find their identity since the arrival of legendary coach Carlos Bianchi, and will be desperate to put on a good showing in Avellaneda.

After six rounds of the competition, Boca have won just one game, drawn three and lost two, positioning them in 16th place, with six points.

Rivals Independiente have experienced a slightly better campaign so far, with two wins, one draw and three losses. They are two places above Boca in 14th place, and one point ahead of them with seven.

Boca, who crushed Excursionistas 4-0 in their most recent outing for the Copa Argentina, will field a side mixed between starters and reserves, as they clash with Barcelona of Ecuador in a vital Copa Libertadores group match at the Bombonera stadium on Wednesday.

For this reason, Bianchi will rest a few key players, including playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, Walter Erviti and Lucas Viatri. The coach is unsure as whether to start Clemente Rodriguez, who was on international duty with Argentina, or Emiliano Albin at left back.

Boca's strike-force will comprise of Juan Manuel Martinez and Santiago Silva, who will replace Viatri. Silva, who was one of Boca's most important players last season, has struggled to find goals this season and will have much to prove in Avellaneda on Sunday.

Americo Gallego, the coach of Independiente, will make two changes to his side, with Julian Velazquez replacing Gonzalo Contrera in defence, and Daniel Montenegro coming in for Osmar Ferreyra in the midfield.

Independiente's attack will consist of Luciano Leguizamon and Colombian goal-poacher Juan Caicedo. Experienced striker Ernesto Farias will have to wait for his opportunity from the substitute's bench.