Friday 13 July 2012

Brasileiro Round 9 Preview



Round nine of the Brasileiro commences with some cracking games once again. A few teams will be missing some key players due to their selection in Mano Menezes' Brazil squad for the Olympics, but nevertheless there will be plenty to left impress. Clarance Seedorf is still unlikely to make his debut for Botafogo and the case is similar with Diego Forlan at Internacional.

Botafogo - Fluminense (Sun, 20.00BST)

The first Clássico Vovô (known as the 'Grandpa derby' as it is the oldest rivalry in Brazil) of the season takes place at the Engenhao this weekend. Both teams come into the game off the back of impressive wins; Botafogo defeated Corinthians at the Pacaembu 3-1 in midweek while Fluminense edged past fellow Rio de Janeiro outfit Flamengo last weekend.

Despite taking a blow to the head in win over Corinthians, Antonio Carlos has returned to training and will maintain defensive consistency for Bota. Elkeson scored two goals in that game but spent the night in hospital after a collision with Cassio, however he is likely to retain his position as a striker. Vitor Junior returns from injury meaning that Fellype Gabriel will drop to the bench.

Flu will be unable to call upon their attacking-midfield talisman Deco as the former Barcelona and Chelsea man misses out through suspension. They will also be missing another key player in Diego Cavalieri who has failed to overcome a virus and Ricardo Berna will replace him between the sticks. Wellington Nem has also been struggling with injury as well as illness and is a doubt for the game. Abel Braga has tried using young striker Samuel and Fred in the same team during training so this could be another option.

Botafogo: Jefferson; Lucas, F. Ferreira, A. Carlos, M. Azevedo; Lucas Zen, Renato; Andrezinho, Cidinho, Vitor Junior; Elkeson.

Fluminense: Berna; Bruno, Gum, Anderson, Carlinhos; Edinho, Jean; Wellington Nem, Wagner, Thiago Neves; Fred.

Internacional - Santos (Sun, 20.00BST)


Internacional will be looking to secure a win over Santos at the Beira-Rio but the clash will unfortunately be missing a huge number of its stars.

Inter will be without Oscar and Leandro Damiao who are away with Brazil on Olympic duty while midfield wizard Andres D'Alessandro is suspended. Joao Paulo and Marcos Aurelio could therefore form the attacking midfield duo with Dagoberto partnering Jaja in attack, despite it not being the latter's usual role. Leandro Lima and Maurides have also been used in the side during training however and could be rewarded with a space in the side.

For Santos there is no Rafael, Ganso or Neymar, all of whom are also with the national team. Aranha will start in goal and Felipe Anderson will begin behind a front two of Dimba and Ezequiel Miralles who recently joined from Gremio. Edu Dracena has missed training this week and should be replaced by Bruno Rodrigo in defence.


Internacional: Muriel; Nei, Indio, Bolivar, Fabricio; Guinazu, Elton; Joao Paulo, Marcos Aurelio; Dagoberto,  Jaja.

Santos: Aranha; Bruno Peres, Bruno Rodrigo, Durval, Juan; Adriano, Arouca, Henrique; Felipe Anderson; Dimba, Miralles.

Palmeiras - Sao Paulo (Sun, 22.30BST)


Yet another derby this weekend with Palmeiras coming off the back of their Copa do Brasil triumph taking on Sao Paulo at the Arena Barueri.

Thiago Heleno, Joao Vitor and Luan all left the Couto Pereira with injuries on Wednesday night and will be reassessed ahead of the game but the former duo could well appear. Felipao should field a strong side as he looks to get the team out of the relegation zone with a positive result. Valdivia is once again available after serving his suspension in the Copa final.

Ney Franco is likely to steer the team away from the 3-5-2 used under interim-coach Milton Cruz, opting for a 4-2-2-2 instead. Rafael Toloi will make his debut for the Tricolor Paulista, partnering Rhodolfo in the centre of defence. Luis Fabiano is once again available in attack after serving his suspension. He will be joined by Osvaldo who impressed against Coritiba.

Palmeiras: Bruno; Artur, Henrique, T. Heleno, Juninho; M. Assuncao, Henrique, D. Carvalho, Valdivia; Mazinho, Betinho.

Sao Paulo: Denis; Douglas, R. Toloi, Rhodolfo, Cortez; Denilson, Casemiro; Cicero, Jadson; Osvaldo, Luis Fabiano.

Remaining fixtures:


Corinthians - Nautico (Sat, 22.30BST)
Figueirense - Atletico Mineiro (Sat, 22.30BST)
Ponte Preta - Coritiba (Sun, 01.00BST)
Cruzeiro - Gremio (Sun, 20.00BST)
Bahia - Flamengo (Sun, 20.00BST)
Vasco - Atletico Goianiense (Sun, 22.30BST)
Sport Recife - Portuguesa (Sun, 22.30BST)

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