River Plate Begins 2008 Clausura Tomorrow

A new-look River Plate will take the field tomorrow at the Monumental, hoping to not only grab 3 points in their debut 2008 Clausura fixture against Gimnasia de Jujuy, but behind new coach Diego Simeone, will look to make a statement in the league and assure fans that the disappointing and underachieving sides that have been the norm in recent years will lead way to a squad that will compete both domestically and abroad.

Despite winning the Copa de Verano and taking revenge against Boca in a 3-2 win to end their pre-season, it’s safe to say that there is still some uncertainty leading into tomorrow. While time will tell whether River can improve on their shocking away form from last season, the top priority for la banda will be in defense after leading the league last year in goals against. With new defensive reinforcement Gustavo Cabral and the recently acquired Omar Merlo from Colon de Santa Fe both untested, Simeone will need to use the same tactical skill that won him a title with Estudiantes in 2006 to keep his back line in check.

Speaking of tactical knowhow, it appears that Simeone has abondoned, for now, his failed 3-3-3-1 formation and instead will use a 4-2-3-1 tomorrow, the same he used against Boca last week. If Ortega, Sánchez, and Falcao continue their form playing behind Abreu, then perhaps the same results from the pre-season will continue now that the games count.

While I rarely make predictions, I think if the squad can stay healthy, if they can learn to win consistently away from home, and if Simeone uses his squad to the best of their potential, then River should have a strong and competitive campaign, and hopefully come the summer we’ll see an end to our title drought.

NOTE: While the game will more than likely be broadcast on TYC Sports USA Sunday afternoon, no time has been announced, so I’ll post it once I know for sure.

Probable lineup:
Juan Pablo Carrizo
Paulo Ferrari, Gustavo Cabral, Eduardo Tuzzio, Cristian Villagra
Oscar Ahumada, Matías Abelairas
Ariel Ortega, Alexis Sánchez, Radamel Falcao
Sebastián Abreu

Category: 08 Clausura

Tags: 08 Clausura

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