River Plate vs Racing: Predicted Lineups and Coudet’s Tactical Strategy

River Plate will face Racing Club on April 12, 2026, at 23:00 UTC in a Liga Profesional Apertura Round 14 fixture. The match is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Presidente Juan Domingo Perón.

The encounter is highlighted by the return of River Plate manager Eduardo Coudet to Racing Club, a team he previously led, though he now arrives as the opposing coach.

River Plate is managing a congested schedule during this period. According to reporting from Olé and Clarin.com, the club’s current commitments include a trip to Bolivia and an upcoming Superclásico at the Monumental.

Squad Availability and Injuries

River Plate enters the April 12 match with several absences in the squad. Gabriel Rojas is currently unavailable due to a hamstring injury and is expected to return in late April 2026.

Valentín Carboni is also sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, with a projected return in early November 2026. Lautaro Rivero is suspended and will be unavailable for the fixture.

Tactical Outlook and Lineups

Eduardo Coudet is predicted to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit to Racing Club. The expected lineup includes players such as Beltrán and Sebastián Driussi.

Racing Club, managed by Gustavo Costas, is expected to counter with a 4-3-3 formation. Key players projected for the Racing side include Duván Vergara, Bruno Zuculini and Tomás Conechny.

The tactical implementation under Coudet has been a focus since his appointment. Previous reports indicated that Coudet intended to maintain a core group of players who featured under former manager Marcelo Gallardo and interim manager Escudero to ensure stability during the transition.

The fitness and availability of Juan Fernando Quintero remain significant factors for River Plate’s setup, as his presence often influences the manager’s final decision regarding the starting eleven.

Competition Context

The match serves as a critical test for Coudet as he continues to implement his tactical vision at River Plate. The club is seeking to maintain its competitive edge in domestic competition while balancing international obligations.

Racing Club enters the fixture looking to leverage their home advantage at the Estadio Presidente Juan Domingo Perón to secure a positive result in the Apertura standings.