River - Quilmes

Argentina Primera Division, Apertura 2010

River is suffering from the 'South American team syndrome', or, how I like to call it, the 'Peruvian team syndrome', when a team that plays at high altitude wins their home matches, but fails to do the same in away games. However, this is most unusual in Argentina, and I don't see the reason behind it... maybe at home they get pushed from behind by the supporters, or maybe they have a complex when playing on other stadiums... who knows. The fact is that they have won all 3 of their home matches, against much better opposition than Quilmes (they've beaten Tigre, Independiente and Arsenal), and I expect them to continue their form. No reason to question their motivation, as they are threatened by relegation, and they should get the maximum against direct rivals, especially at home. That is why coach Cappa decided to go with an offensive trident, consisting of Pavone (Betis player on loan, who is highly expected to burst and finally start scoring some goals), highly rated Buonanotte and team top scorer Funes Mori. They haven't played together too much this season, but the coach expects this formula to work, and so do I.
Newly promoted team Quilmes looks set to go back from where they came from, as they are still winless after 7 rounds, with only 4 draws, but only one of them away from home. They are very poor, that's a fact, and individual quality is certainly on River's side. The reports are saying Quilmes won't stay at the back and defend tonight, and if that is the case, their strategy will likely be suicidal, as River has enough ability to torture them on the counter attack. The only way for them to leave with something from El Monumental is to defend, but they have to do it perfectly, otherwise, this could get ugly. Either way, this should go as a win for River, and the -1 looks quite safe. GL!

River (-1 AH) @ 2.00, 5/10

Result: 1-1, LOST