Coudet’s River: Attack Dilemma & Lineup Predictions vs. Belgrano | River Plate News

BUENOS AIRES – Eduardo Coudet is navigating a delicate balance as he seeks to unlock River Plate’s full attacking potential. Even as the team has begun his tenure with a perfect record, the new manager is already looking for ways to improve the side’s offensive output ahead of Sunday’s match against Belgrano. Coudet arrived at River with the intention of establishing order, and so far, the results have been promising, with three wins from three and an average of two goals per game.

The consecutive victories over Huracán, Sarmiento, and Estudiantes de Río Cuarto have instilled confidence within the Núñez camp. Currently positioned favorably for qualification to both the round of 16 and international competitions, the international break provided a valuable opportunity to refine details and address a key area for improvement: consistent attacking power.

During a mini pre-season camp in Cardales, Coudet extensively experimented with a front three comprised of Maximiliano Salas, Sebastián Driussi, and Facundo Colidio. The manager is focused on restoring both Salas and Colidio to their peak form, having already seen positive signs with Salas finding the back of the net again. While a simultaneous deployment of all three is unlikely against Belgrano, Coudet intends to provide them with playing time to build their sharpness.

A significant challenge for River has been chance creation, particularly in the absence of a consistently influential Juan Fernando Quintero. Without Quintero orchestrating play, the team has often relied on the forward runs of Gonzalo Montiel to generate attacking opportunities, a tactic Coudet recognizes isn’t sustainable as a primary source of threat. This has led to a dilemma: whether to prioritize a loaded forward line or seek greater tactical variety.

Quintero himself remains a potential solution, though his inclusion could compromise the team’s physical presence. Joaquín Freitas offers an alternative, bringing mobility to the midfield – a quality currently lacking in other attacking options. Coudet may also consider the individual flair of Kendry Páez and Ian Subiabre, though their performances have been inconsistent thus far.

Driussi appears to have secured a starting position, having scored two goals in the early stages of Coudet’s reign. While ideally suited to partner a traditional No. 9, Driussi has been deployed in a more advanced role among the opposing center-backs due to current circumstances. However, an earlier attempt to pair him with Freitas in a more free-flowing system did not yield the desired results, with the team struggling to create clear-cut chances.

The composition of River’s attack remains uncertain. The midfield pairing of Fausto Vera and Aníbal Moreno will also influence Coudet’s decision-making, as he seeks to uncover the right combinations to unlock the team’s attacking potential. Tomás Galván, typically adept at finding space between the lines, has seen a slight dip in form in recent matches, adding another layer of complexity to Coudet’s selection process.

The upcoming match against Belgrano presents an opportunity for Coudet to implement his vision and build upon the positive momentum generated in his first three games. The manager is clearly prioritizing finding the right balance between experience, form, and tactical flexibility as he aims to establish River Plate as a dominant force in the Apertura 2026 tournament.

River Plate will face Belgrano on Sunday, April 5th, at 6:00 PM local time (Argentina Time – ART, UTC-3). The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Fans will be keenly watching to see how Coudet utilizes his attacking options and whether the team can continue its winning streak.

The arrival of Tobías Ramírez and Juan Fernando Quintero to training adds further options for Coudet, with Ian Subiabre also rejoining the squad after international duty with the Under-20 team. These additions provide the manager with increased depth and tactical flexibility as he prepares for the challenges ahead.

This article will be updated with confirmed lineups and match details as they become available.