Boca Juniors arrive in São Paulo with a semi-final place in the Copa Sudamericana within reach, carrying both the narrow advantage earned at home and the benefit of a carefully managed domestic weekend in Argentina.
Boca Juniors prepare for the Morumbí return
Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side travel to Brazil after a 3-1 Clausura victory over Central Córdoba, a match in which Boca used an altered line-up to give several key players a break before the return against São Paulo at the Morumbí.
The result maintained Boca’s positive momentum, but Arruabarrena had not yet settled on his starting eleven for the decisive continental night. His principal calls concern the second centre-back role and the make-up of midfield.
- Milton Delgado last played on 28 August, against Lanús, before being sidelined by a muscle strain.
- Arruabarrena kept the midfielder out while he recovered, with the Brazilian return specifically in mind.
- Delgado is now fit and available again, although his lack of recent match action leaves open the question of whether he will start.
- Boca then defeated Central Córdoba 3-1 with a rotated team, preserving players for the trip across the border.
- The Buenos Aires club now head to the Morumbí seeking to complete qualification for the Sudamericana semi-finals.
Defensive decision still open
Lautaro Di Lollo is expected to feature in central defence, while Facundo Herrera and Marco Pellegrino remain the alternatives to partner him. Jagger appears to hold the advantage in the selection race.
The younger player was rested against Central Córdoba, while the former Huracán defender started that Clausura match, an apparent indication of Boca’s thinking for the encounter in Brazil. The youngster also completed the full 90 minutes in the first leg against São Paulo and came through with another assured display.
Midfield and attack take shape
Santiago Ascacibar, Paredes and Alan Velasco are close to certain starters in midfield. Delgado is the leading candidate to complete that area of the pitch if Arruabarrena judges him ready to return immediately.
Further forward, Miguel Merentiel should again lead the line after scoring Boca’s only goal in the first meeting. The Uruguayan remains an undisputed choice for Arruabarrena.
Leonel Flores is also expected to retain his place alongside Merentiel. The young forward has stayed ahead of Sebastián Villa in the contest for the second attacking role.
SEO Title: Boca Juniors travel to São Paulo chasing Copa Sudamericana semi-final
SEO Description: Boca Juniors head to the Morumbí after beating Central Córdoba 3-1, with Rodolfo Arruabarrena weighing defensive and midfield choices for the Copa Sudamericana return against São Paulo.
