Boca appears to be unable to get back on its feet, unlike San Lorenzo whose two consecutive victories on difficult derbies (Independiente and Huracan) have raised their spirit and given them wings to dream with an awakening. It'd be almost impossible for both teams to obtain qualification for next year's Copa Libertadores, but the Sudamericana might be reachable for whoever claims the three points this Sunday. Roman Riquelme will return to the squad and his expertise might lead the Xeneizes to a new victory, whose performance at their own ground has been solid, with an average of 1.7 goals per game. Will Boca players be able to tame the raven?
A flying raven
Looking at the fixture only two months ago one was to think this will be the most decisive match of 16th round, but the reality has been rather different. Occupying the 19th and 17th positions, the perspectives of their future are rather cloudy, but at least San Lorenzo has shown some commitment during the last weeks and two consecutive victories have boosted players' spirit and particularly Gallego Mendez's confidence as a coach, an experience quite new for this young manager.
With three difficult matches ahead (Argentinos, Lanus and Newell's) the Cuervos need to make sure Boca Juniors will occupy the bottom position for it'll be hard to continue their way up against such opponents, and a third week unbeaten can make them surprise everyone against one of the leaders.
Juan Manuel Torres' return to the squad will provide more versatility on the midfield, taking Emiliano Alfaro place after a weak performance in the derby. If team's captain Jonathan Bottinelli is unable to perform, young José Luis Palomino will take his place, though this alternative will give the Xeneizes some leverage on midfield's play.
Alejandro Papu Gomez's return to the net during last week showed Ciclon's firepower can be deadly. Nonetheless if the captain is unable to perform Gomez might move a few steps back to occupy a position in the midfield and gave Fabian Bordagaray the control of the offensive.
Another bad news will be Nelson Benítez's absence, for he appears not to be fully fit for this derby, prolonging Germán Voboril's time in the starting eleven, and this might be his last chance to show his skills.
Fans turning against players
Boca's performance in this tournament, falling behind River in a disastrous season for the major teams has raised many doubts in the Doce (historic and aggressive team's Ultras followers) and Tito Pompei has not been able to cool their nerves, as the irregularity of the Rifle matched Abel Alves' weaknesses for the moment.
One major motive to imagine this week will be something different is Juan Roman Riquelme's return to the squad, for a prolonged knee pain has kept him away from the fields during a big part of the tournament, and without him the team has been unable to find a lighthouse to drive the ball where it hurts. But it's always six of one and half a dozen of the other, with Federico Insua's injury during week training.
Nicolas Gaitan will have once again to join Riquelme in the offensive, and his combination has been proven lethal many times during the tournament, for speed and finesse are two skills always determinant in the midfield fight. Martin Palermo and Matias Gimenez will become responsible for turning all this offensive ideas into goals.
A defeat will be unacceptable for both teams, as their fragile present can turn into a nightmare if the 19th position is prolonged for another week. Having already wasted their opportunity of climbing to the surface against Rosario this opportunity cannot escape from their hands.
Historical Facts
San Lorenzo has the advantage, having won 68 of the 174 matches against 59 for Tito Pompei's team and also scored 247 against 239 Boca's one. Nevertheless numbers do not show the last 30 years' results, in which Boca has obtained most of the points. Martin Palermo already scored 9 goals against the Cuervos, and he might have a chance of becoming league's top striker if he manages to break Mendez's defense.
