In Estudiantes, good atmosphere is felt prior to the 159th edition of the La Plata derby, even though Lucas Bernardi has not yet confirmed or defined the starting eleven that will play against Gimnasia from 5 PM the day after tomorrow.
In yesterday's closed-door practice at the main field of the City Bell Country Club, the white-and-blue coach carried out different tactical exercises without giving any hints about a definitive starting eleven, but he did leave open the possibility that Mariano Pavone and Bautista Cascini could also play from the beginning.
If Cascini were to play as a starter, it would be as a more advanced midfielder alongside the duo of Iván Gómez and Rodrigo Braña. He would operate as a playmaker.
Pavone's presence is the one that worries the fans the most. If he plays, it would be in place of Lucas Melano, either as part of an offensive trio or as the lone striker. Popular pressure pushes for the Tank to return as a starter, but the reality is that Melano has more chances, as he understands better the system of pressing the opponents' salida.
Lastly, the possibility remains that Bernardi decides to field a team with a five-player line, just like he did in the visit to Independiente. In that case, Gastón Campi would join to strengthen the defense alongside Leandro Desábato and Jonatan Schunke. Thus, Lucas Diarte would continue as the left-back.
The squad will train behind closed doors again today, and after that, Lucas Bernardi will hold his press conference.
THE APPOINTMENT OF ABAL DID NOT FALL WELL
The Estudiantes leadership did not quite like the appointment of Diego Abal as the referee for the derby. Although the results have been favorable with him as the referee, memories of the quarter-final series against River, a controversial match in Boca, and the 2016 match at Huracán's stadium, where he awarded a dubious penalty to the millonario, are still fresh. At the Country Club, players and coaching staff preferred not to discuss the topic to avoid controversy.
What the players did discuss off the record was Independiente del Valle's elimination. Although everyone wanted them to win their match against Banfield because of Jonatan Schunke's brother, the truth is that most preferred to avoid the trip to Quito. Now the calculations are between Buenos Aires and Montevideo. The choice is split.
A MULTITUDE GATHERING IN PERGAMINO
The Estudiantes branches in Pergamino and Arrecifes held an outdoor event last night related to the Doble Bragado cycling competition, which featured the presence of some 1986 World Cup champions, such as José Luis Brown, Nery Pumpido, and Oscar Ruggeri, among others.
The players from that national team, led by Carlos Bilardo, chatted with the people and participated in different activities. Before that, they met with the white-and-blue branches, who gave each of them an official Estudiantes jersey.