River Plate returns to domestic action after their 1-1 away draw at Atletico Tucuman, which prevented them from lifting a league in spite of having been unbeaten in the league in 2020 (six wins and two draws). The team didn’t show up for their league cup debut and were inactive until September when the Copa Libertadores restarted. Thanks to three victories and one draw, they advanced to the round-of-16 as group winners after beating LDU Quito 3-0 as hosts at Independiente. The club hasn’t added any new players to their squad while Lucas Martinez Quarta (sold to Fiorentina), Ignacio Scocco (Newell’s Old Boys) and Juan Quintero (Shenzhen, China) waved goodbye. River managed seven points from the last nine on offer at home in the league, but they will have to play at Independiente due to renovation works at Estadio Monumental. All regulars are available for coach Marcelo Gallardo. He will field the same XI that beat LDU Quito 3-0 on 20th October. Â
Banfield ended their 2019/20 campaign with a scoreless draw away at Gimnasia LP to make it six matches without a win (three draws and three defeats) and finish in 17th place. On away turf, they managed only two points from the last nine on offer. Coach Javier Sanguinetti will replace Julio Falcioni, who left the club due to health issues. The club will welcome back Mauricio Cuero, who returns from Atlas, Mexico. Luciano Pons (B Nacional squad San Martin Tucuman) and Martin Payero (returning from Talleres) also are important new faces in a total of four. The team were unbeaten in preseason games, securing two wins and two draws after a 3-2 away success at Independiente in the last match.
River is clearly the best team in Argentina for the last few years and when they play you have to expect goals. I think their defense is not as solid as before so I’m going with the over here.