Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
Two sides who are only separated by their goal difference, River Plate will welcome Sarmiento Junin to the Estadio Mas Monumental on Sunday night.
River Plate
Starting with the hosts, while River Plate might have got the 2024 campaign underway with a real statement of intent on May 11th as they stormed their way to a thumping 3-0 victory against Central Cordoba, Enzo Francescoli’s men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Putting in another downbeat performance earlier in the week as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Godoy Cruz, the Argentinian giants have the feel of a squad seeking some crucial stability. Signing off June with a 1-0 loss away at Argentinos Juniors, the one-time Cagliari midfielder has seen his squad muster just a single victory from any of their previous five Primera Division appearances. Despite making real history last season as they got their hands on a 38th domestic crown, River Plater appear to have a real battle on their hands this time around.
Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition since arriving from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr this summer, River Plate will once again be without Pity Martinez on Sunday night. However, aside from the three-cap Argentina international, La Banda have reported a clean bill of health this weekend.
Bagging a consolation strike away at Godoy Cruz earlier in the week and now recording three goals in previous two domestic appearances, former Palmeiras striker Miguel Borja will spearhead Francescoli’s attack here.
Sarmiento Junin
As for the visitors, although Sarmiento Junin might have opened up the 2024 campaign in the midst of a worrying blip, the Verde have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Springing what was an almighty upset earlier in the week as they claimed a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Racing Club, the mood in Israel Damonte’s camp should be at a real high. Skyrocketing their way up the Primera Division standings and finding a route into the top-half, Sunday’s guests have now won three of their previous four top-flight appearances. With their recent purple patch underlined by a routine 2-0 win against Estudiantes on June 13th, the Greens will certainly be relishing a trip to the defending champions here. Landing a famous 2-1 victory when they last travelled to River Plate back in August 2022, Sarmiento will be desperate for a repeat display this weekend.
Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Damonte will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Jose Mauri, Federico Paradela and academy graduate Augustin Molina this weekend. However, returning from a recent knock last month, former Colo Colo starlet Ivan Morales Bravo could be handed a full recall.
Bagging a sensational winner against Racing Club earlier in the week in what was his first start of the season, 22-year-old Ezequiel Naya will keep his spot spearheading Sarmiento’s charge.
Key Factors to Consider
