On Sunday night, October 13, Corinthians will face Red Bull Bragantino at 7 PM (Brasília time). Coach Dorival Júnior is dealing with a last-minute setback as midfielder Maycon is sidelined due to a muscular discomfort in his right thigh. He will be replaced by Raniele in the lineup. With Yuri Alberto still recovering from a spinal fracture, the attacking duo will consist of Memphis Depay and Angel Romero.
Rodrigo Garro will take on the role of playmaker, being crucial in orchestrating the Timão’s offensive plays. The coach also has to cope with suspensions, missing defender André Ramalho and midfielder Breno Bidon. The starting lineup for Corinthians will be: Hugo; Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Cacá, and Bidu; Raniele, Martinez, Carillo, and Garro; with Romero and Memphis leading the attack. Currently in 10th place with 16 points, Corinthians aspires to secure a spot in the next edition of the Libertadores.
Off the field, Corinthians has faced a turbulent few weeks during the league pause, especially with political crises escalating to police involvement, leading to the indictment of suspended president Augusto Melo by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office. The club has also dealt with internal controversies, including Memphis Depay’s absence from a training session. However, the Dutch forward has apologized to his teammates and reiterated his commitment to supporting the team for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Igor Coronado has officially been released, and no new signings have been announced by the club’s management to date.
Bragantino, on the other hand, is currently in the G-4 of the Brasileirão with 23 points. Despite a recent 3-0 defeat to Bahia, they aim to maintain their position in the top four after a strong performance prior to the league break. Coach Fernando Seabra has set up Bragantino with: Lucão; Agustin Sant’Anna, Pedro Henrique, Guzmán, and Juninho Capixaba; Gabriel, Eric Ramires, and Jhon Jhon; Vinicinho, Pitta, and Eduardo Sasha.
This matchup is pivotal for both teams, with Corinthians striving to avoid a crisis while chasing a coveted Libertadores berth, and Bragantino looking to bounce back and solidify their place in the top bracket of the league. The high stakes of this game promise an exciting encounter for fans and players alike.