Cristian Pellerano is optimistic that Arsenal can stretch their great start to the Clausura by beating River Plate.

Arsenal share the lead with Lanus and Gimnasio y Esgrima La Plata, while River have slumped to eigth after their 5-1 loss to San Lorenzo on the weekend.

"River were hit a little bit by the defeat against San Lorenzo and we definitely have the team to beat them," said Pellerano. "They also have to come back from Peru after the Copa Libertadores and will be quite tired."

His team-mate Carlos Casteglione is more cautious, however.

"It is just one more match," he said. "If we win or lose, it will not change anything because there is a long road to go yet. The tournament is just starting."

Lanus take on Newell's Old Boys on Friday before Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata travel to Argentinos Juniors on Saturday.

Lanus have taken some big scalps already in this campaign and midfielder Diego Gonzalez admits he is enjoying life at the top.

"Watching us on top is very nice, especially knowing that we already played and beat a big team like Boca," he said.

"We've wanted to be in the position for a long time and now we must take advantage of it. We're doing our job well but it won't mean anything unless we get a result against Newell's."

Gimnasia were fighting relegation less than 12 months ago and playmaker Mariano Meserra says the club will need to fight to maintain their position.

"To be honest, we cannot believe this," he said. "We hoped we were going to have a good campaign after the pre-season but we never imagined being top.

"When the season started, we knew it was going to be difficult. We're on top now, but there's a long way to go, so we need to keep fighting."

Boca Juniors will travel to Independiente on Sunday and Independiente boss Miguel Angel Santoro is under no illusions about the task that faces his team.

"Boca are the best team in Argentina. They have won a lot of titles and will be very hard to beat," he said.

The fifth round of the Clausura kicks-off tomorrow, when Godoy Cruz meet fellow strugglers San Martin, while Estudiantes and Velez Sarsfield will clash on Friday.

On Saturday Huracan take on Gimnasia y Esgrima Jujuy, Racing Club travel to Tigre, and Colon host Banfield in Santa Fe.

Finally on Sunday evening , Reinaldo Carlos Merlo will make his debut as manager of Rosario Central as they meet giants San Lorenzo.

Merlo succeeds Gustavo Alfaro, who was sacked last Saturday.