Gallardo Rotates Squad as River Host Independiente del Valle
Facundo Trotta Arrieta
Dailysports's expert
River Plate will take on Independiente del Valle tonight with a chance to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. According to Olé, manager Marcelo Gallardo is expected to field a heavily rotated lineup at El Monumental, aiming to rest key starters after a demanding stretch of fixtures.
With a three-point lead atop Group B, Gallardo has room to maneuver and is likely to sideline regulars such as Paulo Díaz, Enzo Pérez, Marcos Acuña, and Nacho Fernández. Instead, several fresh faces are expected to start, while a few names—Franco Armani, Kevin Castaño, Franco Mastantuono, Sebastián Driussi, and Facundo Colidio—are set to remain in the XI after the recent win over Barracas Central.
The decision reflects Gallardo’s strategy to balance his squad ahead of the upcoming domestic quarterfinal against Platense. It’s a tactical move to keep his team sharp and competitive across both fronts.
River’s expected lineup: Franco Armani; Fabricio Bustos, Germán Pezzella, Leandro González Pirez, Milton Casco; Giuliano Galoppo, Kevin Castaño, Maximiliano Meza; Franco Mastantuono, Sebastián Driussi, and Facundo Colidio.
