Preview: River Plate vs. Lanus - prediction, team news, lineups

Lanus got the better of Colon via a narrow 1-0 scoreline, while River Plate thrashed Union Santa Fe 5-1 to move themselves up to 14th place in the Primera Division table.

Match preview

The reigning Primera Division champions opened their campaign with consecutive goalless draws before losing 1-0 to Colon.

However, they experience a change in fortunes last weekend courtesy of a morale-boosting 5-1 victory over Union Santa Fe.

River Plate's lead at half time was just one following Braian Romero's first half strike, but they moved through the gears in the second period.

A Julian Alvarez brace and a goal apiece for Enzo Fernandez and Agustin Palavecino helped Los Millonarios clinch a comfortbale 5-1 win.

Currently sitting in 14th place, Marcelo Gallardo will be challenging his side to follow up last weekend's result by clinching their first home league victory of the season on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the visitors enter the weekend level on points with River Plate after picking up their first league win of the season in their most recent outing.

Like Saturday's hosts, Lanus began the season with back-to-back draws before falling to their first defeat of the campaign on the third matchday.

After losing 2-1 to Atletico Tucuman, Jorge Almiron's side bounced back in style last weekend against Colon despite playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men.

When Alexandro Bernabei was given his marching orders, a draw seemed to be the best possible outcome for Lanus, however, an 85th-minute strike from Lautaro Acosta ensured they claimed their first league win of the season.

While their hosts are aiming to clinch their first home victory of the league campaign, Lanus will be looking to emerge victorious from an away encounter for the first time in the Primera Division this season.

River Plate Argentine Primera Division form:

River Plate form (all competitions):

Lanus Argentine Primera Division form:

Lanus form (all competitions):

Team News

River Plate are still expected to be without the services of Robert Rojas who has not featured since April, while Matias Suarez and Milton Casco are ruled doubtful for the contest.

After coming off the bench to score last weekend, Palavecino may be rewarded with a starting spot for Saturday's encounter.

Meanwhile, Romero is set to retain his place in the starting lineup after finding the net in the 5-1 victory over Union Santa Fe.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Bernabei, who is suspended after being sent off against Colon.

With Bernabei unavailable, Nicolas Pasquini is expected to return to the starting lineup to feature at left-back on Saturday.

Jose Sand returned to the starting lineup last weekend, and the veteran striker is set to retain his place in the frontline alongside Lucas Varaldo.

River Plate possible starting lineup:

Armani; Herrera, Gonzalez, Martinez, Gomez; Perez, Palavecino, Fernandez; Romero, Barco, Alvarez

Lanus possible starting lineup:

Monetti; Aguirre, Perez, Braghieri, Pasquini; A. Gonzalez, M. Gonzalez, Belmonte, Acosta; Sand, Varaldo

We say: River Plate 3-1 Lanus

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