River vs Independiente
River Plate continue to struggle to find their best form. Last Sunday, the team recorded a 0-0 draw against San Lorenzo as visitors, delivering a poor performance. With this result, El Millonario reached five points in the Torneo Apertura, four behind Independiente, the leaders of Group B. Overall, the team lost only one of their last seven league matches, along with three wins and three draws. In fact, River remain unbeaten in their last six home matches in domestic competitions, winning four and drawing two. Maximiliano Meza will miss at least one more match due to a muscle injury.
Independiente are enjoying an excellent start to the year. Last Sunday, the team delivered a solid performance to defeat Gimnasia LP 2-0 at home, with goals from Gabriel Avalos and Alvaro Angulo. El Rojo secured all nine points available in the Torneo Apertura and stand as the sole leaders of Group B, extending their unbeaten run in the league to six matches (five wins and one draw). Additionally, Independiente won their last away game (3-2 against Talleres), snapping a four-match winless streak on the road (two draws and two losses).
Another big derby, and another opportunity for Indepeniente to show their value. They’ve been quite solid so far and I expect them to at least avoid a defeat.