Friday 6 July 2012

Brasileiro Round 8 Preview

It has been a busy week for Brazilian football. Corinthians were crowned Copa Libertadores champions, Palmeiras took a 2-0 lead in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final and the transfer market is in full string. Two fantastic additions to the league are to be officially presented this weekend with Diego Forlan to be paraded in front of the Internacional faithful while Clarence Seedorf is set for a rapturous reception at Botafogo. There is a full complement of fixtures this weekend so lets take a closer look at some of the best games on offer.

Internacional - Cruzeiro (Saturday 22.30BST)

The addition of Diego Forlan will have created a buzz of optimism around the Colorado but an impressive Cruzeiro outfit could spoil the party at the Beira-Rio.

Inter will have to do without their deep-lying pitbull Pablo Guinazu who misses the game due to suspension. Dorival Junior may overlook Mario Bolatti for the game and instead start with Elton and Josimar as newly-signed volante Ygor will not feature. Dagoberto will also hang onto his position in the team but could be the man to make way for Forlan against Santos next week.

Cruzeiro have been busy and in the past week announced the capture of last season's top scorer in the Brasileiro, Borges, along with the loan of Alejandro Martinuccio from Fluminense but neither will participate in the game. Following last weekend's defeat to Sao Paulo the Raposa will not be able to call upon Wellington Paulista who misses out through injury while, despite scoring two goals, Rafael Donato may be sacrificed in defence. Fabinho limped off in that fixture and has struggled to recover so if he is not passed fit then 20-year-old Elber could possibly feature.

Potential line-ups:

Inter: Muriel; Nei, Indio, Bolivar, Fabricio; Elton, Josimar, Oscar, D'Alessandro; Dagoberto, Leandro Damiao.

Cruzeiro: Fabio; Leo, Victorino, Mateus, Everton; Leandro Guerreiro, Tinga, Willian Magrao, Montillo; Fabinho, Anselmo Ramon.

Fluminense - Flamengo (Sunday 20.00BST)

Almost 100 years to the day that the two sides first met on July 7, 1912, the Fla-Flu derby will instead have its centenary battle on July 8.

Thiago Neves made his return by playing 15 minutes against Nautico last weekend but may still not be ready for a full game. Abel Braga has kept his team shrouded in mystery so it may be the case that Wagner will remain behind the striker alongside Deco. After netting twice last week, Samuel would be unfortunate to lose his place if Fred is declared fit, but it is a huge game for Fluzao.

The pressure has not eased on Joel Santana in recent weeks with speculation over his future remaining rife. Last week's hero, 17-year-old Adryan, may be forced to sit out with a knock. Diego Botinelli could take a part if Santana wants to be more attacking, but otherwise the team is likely to remain the same.

Probable line-ups:

Fluminense: Diego Cavalieri; Bruno, Anderson, Gum, Carlinhos; Jean, Edinho; Wagner, Deco, Wellington Nem; Samuel.

Flamengo: Paulo Victor; Wellington Silva, Gonzales, Marllon, Magal; Amaral, Luiz Antonio, Ibson, Renato Abreu; Vagner Love, Diego Mauricio.

Santos - Gremio (Sunday 20.00BST)

Santos will continue their search for their first victory of the season when they face Gremio at the Vila Belmiro.

Following his refusal of a new contract from the Peixe, Ganso is set to miss out though the reasoning is purely due to a lack of fitness. Henrique may replace him in midfield with Bruno Peres coming in at right-back. The departures of Alan Kardec, Wason Renteria and Borges leave Santos thin up top so Muricy Ramalho may use Neymar as a lone striker with Elano also in the side despite rumours of an imminent move to Gremio. 

Vanderlei Luxemburgo will be forced to name an almost completely new defensive line. Marcelo Grohe continues in goal following the departure of Victor to Atletico Mineiro while Gilberto Silva remains in central defence. Tony replaces Edilson at right-back who is suspended for four games and Werley returns to the side. Leo Gago may well have to play out of position at left-back with Julio Cesar, Fabio Aurelio and Para all injured and Anderson Pico suspended.

Probable line-ups:

Santos: Rafael; Bruno Peres, Edu Dracena, Durval, Juan; Adriano, Henrique, Arouca, Elano, Felipe Anderson; Neymar.

Gremio: Marcelo Grohe; Tony, Werley, Gilberto Silva, Leo Gago; Fernando, Souza, Marco Antonio, Ze Roberto; Kleber, Marcelo Moreno.

Remaining fixtures:

Botafogo - Bahia
Atletico Goianiense - Nautico
Sao Paulo - Coritiba
Figueirense - Vasco da Gama
Atletico Mineiro - Portuguesa
Ponte Preta - Palmeiras
Sport Recife - Corinthians




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