The technical director of River Plate, Marcelo Gallardo, is preparing a formation with five defenders for the match against Atlético Mineiro this Tuesday, in the framework of the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. The Argentine team arrived in Brazil for the clash that will take place at the Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte at 21:30 local time, where Gallardo is expected to opt for a 5-3-2 scheme.
Regarding the lineup, Fabricio Bustos, who has been cleared to play, is expected to occupy the right flank and Marcos Acuña will be on the left side. The three central defenders would be Paulo Díaz, Leandro González Pirez, and Germán Pezzella, with the first two as stoppers and the last as a sweeper. In midfield, Manuel Lanzini is set to start alongside Matías Kranevitter and Santiago Simón; while in attack, Miguel Ángel Borja and Facundo Colidio would be present.
There is a possibility that Gallardo may decide to use four defenders, which would allow for the inclusion of Nacho Fernández in the starting team. Both Franco Armani and Borja are at risk of missing the return match on October 29 at the Estadio Monumental due to an accumulation of yellow cards in the first leg. Therefore, Gallardo could decide to rest both players, although this would mean Borja would not participate in the match, something uncommon given its importance.
Finally, Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez returns to the list of those concentrated after recovering from an injury to his left leg that kept him off the pitch since January.
