River Plate will face Ciudad Bolívar this Tuesday night in San Luis, as they begin their campaign in the 2026 Copa Argentina. Coming off consecutive defeats in the Apertura 2026 tournament, River will seem to rebound in this federal competition and manager Marcelo Gallardo faces several key decisions regarding the starting lineup.
The usual speculation about whether Gallardo will utilize his starters or rotate the squad isn’t a factor in this instance: the manager is expected to field his strongest possible eleven. Still, several questions remain regarding the precise composition of the starting eleven, given recent performance levels.
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Gonzalo Montiel, Fausto Vera (returning from suspension), and Tomás Galván are expected to feature in the starting lineup. Beyond those selections, several other players are likely to start, including Juanfer Quintero, and defenders Lucas Martínez Quarta and Lautaro Rivero. Could Paulo Díaz also feature? The Chilean defender is a possibility given the current form of other defenders.
Fausto Vera is expected to return to the starting eleven in San Luis.
Gallardo’s Lineup Decisions for River vs. Ciudad Bolívar
The biggest question mark surrounds the goalkeeping position. Franco Armani’s recovery continues, and with just two training sessions remaining before the match, his availability remains uncertain. Santiago Beltrán is likely to continue in goal, unless Gallardo opts to give Ezequiel Centurión an opportunity.
At left back, Matías Viña and Marcos Acuña have been inconsistent, but the latter could regain his starting spot after several appearances as a substitute. Aníbal Moreno is available despite a cramp suffered against Argentinos Juniors, but the coaching staff may choose to rest him, with Kevin Castaño or Giuliano Galoppo as potential replacements.
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With Quintero likely to start, Gallardo is expected to deploy two forwards to add attacking power. The manager must decide whether to retain Agustín Ruberto in the lineup, and if not, who will replace him and partner with another forward.
Will Ruberto remain in the starting lineup?
Probable River Lineup vs. Ciudad Bolívar
Santiago Beltrán or Ezequiel Centurión; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuña; Fausto Vera, Aníbal Moreno, Tomás Galván; Juanfer Quintero; Agustín Ruberto or Maxi Salas and Facundo Colidio or Ian Subiabre.
When and What Time Does River vs. Ciudad Bolívar Kick Off?
The match between River and Ciudad de Bolívar, for the round of 32 of the Copa Argentina, will be played this Tuesday, February 17th at 10:00 PM at Estadio La Pedrera in San Luis. If they advance to the next round of 16, the team will face the winner between Aldosivi de Mar del Plata and San Miguel, who play earlier the same day.
