Independiente require a great derby victory if they are to claim the remaining Copa Libertadores spot after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at home to rivals Racing. Two goals in the space of a few minutes from Gustavo Bou and Óscar Romero have put La Academia on the brink of qualification but they must avoid defeat by two or more goals in the Cilindro against a wounded El Rojo.

Racing welcome captain Diego Milito back into the starting eleven after suspension but last weekend’s goal scorer, Romero can only manage the bench after being substituted in the minute after netting Racing’s second.

Independiente also have their captain available again after Federico Mancuello came through this week’s training and will be boosted by the return of the influential Jesús Méndez in the centre of midfield. Centre forward Diego Vera almost missed the match after an accident at his home left him needing stiches on his achilles. Thankfully for El Rojo the Uruguayan will lead the attack this afternoon.

Racing starting XI: Sebastián Saja; Ivan Pillud, Nicolás Sánchez, Luciano Lollo, Leandro Grimi; Francisco Cerro, Luciano Aued, Washington Camacho, Marcos Acuña; Diego Milito, Gustavo Bou

Independiente starting XI: Diego Rodríguez; Gustavo Toledo, Hernán Pellerano, Víctor Cuesta, Nicolás Tagliafico; Jorge Ortíz, Jesús Méndez; Martín Benítez, Federico Mancuello; Diego Vera, Juan Martín Lucero