Only three rounds left so who will be lifting the trophy? Frankly, it’s anybody’s guess.
By Rick Crowe,
Leading by one point from Fluminense, Corinthians travel to Salvador where hosts Vitoria are desperate for points to avoid relegation. After last week’s less than spirited display to claim a point against fellow struggling side Guarani, Vitoria must make sure that it’s not a certainty that the leaders will prevail.
Second placed Fluminense are also on the road, traveling to 9th placed Sao Paulo who still have a chance of entry to the Libertadores Cup. So that’s not going to be easy.
Three points adrift, third placed Cruzeiro, still furious about the dubious penalty that lost them the game 1-0 last Saturday against Corinthians, host middle of the table Vasco.
All of the top three in contention for the title will see it as a disaster if they drop points at this stage though it makes for exciting viewing. The race is still wide open.
Gremio Prudente are already down but there are a number of teams still trying desperately to avoid the last three places for the chop. Goias must have a win over Santos or they can start waving goodbye to Serie A, and six sides above them will feel the noose tightening.
Gremio are only two points behind their visitors on Saturday and, therefore, could trade places if they win and obviously boost their chances of a place in the Libertadores Cup. Atletico-PR, sitting in their highest league position since 2004, need the points for the same reason.
Douglas came in for some fierce criticism by Brazil coach Mano Menenzes for losing the ball in midfield against Argentina last Wednesday in Qatar that led to Lionel Messi’s injury time winner. His Gremio team mates have come out strongly in his defense. If Gremio win and move towards a Libertadores Cup place, expect coach Renato Gaucho to have his contract renewed.
Veteran Paulo Baier has called for Atletico-PR to attack Gremio and play for a win, a sentiment echoed by defender Rhodolfo - “Let’s respect Gremio, but we want to be in the Libertadores Cup, so we’ll fight for this.”
This is a crucial game for both teams. Flamengo are only three points ahead of their visitors so a win for Guarani will plunge the Red and Blacks further into the relegation quagmire and may even lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Behind the scenes financial problems are taking Flamengo’s eyes off the problem in hand – that of relegation. Coach Vanderlei Luxembourg has called upon the experienced players like 34-year-old Kleberson to help guide the younger players through to safety.
It’s step up time for Guarani and one of the players who intends to do that is defender Aislan who accepts the problems that are heaped on the team. “Pressure will always exist. We need to be well focused to win three points in Rio.”
The situation for Guarani is critical. Without a win in ten matches, coach Vagner Mancini is targeting seven points from the last three games to keep them up. It’s a tall order.
Prudente only have their pride to play for after being relegated last weekend. Ceara, on 45 points, are playing out a mediocre league season.
Rumours that Gremio Prudente will leave their new home in Presidente Prudente city because of relegation were denied in a remarkably frank open letter to the fans ending with – “We can’t promise wins but let’s promise a lot of hard work and, above all let’s make Gremio and the city of Presidente Prudente new, elite members of Brazilian football.”
Coach Dimas Filgueras will play 3-5-2, packing the midfield with, probably, Boiadeiro, Joao Marcos, Geraldo, Careca and Arlindo but expect the introduction of Clodoaldo at some point.
This is a must win clash for both teams. Vitoria hover precariously two points above the drop zone so there’s no room for error. Corinthians, on the other hand, have the same points problem but at the other end of the table.
Only one place above the drop zone Vitoria will be up against a Corinthians side desperate for a win to further their championship challenge. Coach Antonio Lopes should have Wallace back in defense. William, captain of current league leaders Corinthians, has said that he will finish at the end of the current season in Serie A.
He’s on two yellow cards and while he won’t duck out of a tackle he also doesn’t want to miss any of the final games due to suspension. Elias and Juselei have returned from international duty in midweek and are expected to play.
Luis Felipe Scolari hasn’t pulled up any palm trees this season with the team mid-table on 50 points. It’s even worse for Atletico-MG who badly need points to avoid dropping into the bottom four.
Palmeiras coach Scolari underplayed a problem during the week after being hit on the head by a fan with a portable radio. Obviously someone not on the same wavelength.
A weakened team may be sent out to preserve their current status including Lincoln who has struggled with fitness of late. Atletico-MG striker Diego Tardelli is expected to play despite taking a knock on his right foot during training in midweek.
Botafogo’s championship challenge faltered recently but they will be fighting to reclaim their spot in the top four. Internacional, placed 8th on 51 points still have reason to finish as high as they can so this is likely to be a close call.
Botafogo captain Lucio Flavio has been commenting this week on in-house disciplinary problems and has rallied his troops to give their utmost in the final stretch of the season. All change for Internacional coach Celso Roth who intends to play what amounts to a reserve team on Sunday with a view to resting players.
This, of course, won’t bother Botafogo who need to get back into the top four if possible.
Sao Paulo still harbor hopes of a place in the Libertadores Cup, sitting as they do in 9th place on 51 points, but recently deposed league leaders Fluminense are only one point off the top spot. All to play for here.
It’s possible that wingback Ilsinho will return to the fray after missing the game against Vasco with a thigh injury. Not so good for striker Fernandinho who is expected to be out for another week.
It’s touch and go whether Fluminense striker Emerson will be fit for Sunday’s game. Coach Muricy Ramalho is keeping his cards close to his chest and if Emerson fails to recover one of Tarta, Rodriguinho or Washington will partner Fred up front in a 4-4-2 formation.
After all that happened last weekend when a dubious penalty deprived them of a draw against top of the table Corinthians the good news is that Montillo may be back after a couple of injuries.
Vasco are looking to next season when they can get their major players together on a regular basis – Eder Luis, Ze Roberto, Felipe and Carlos Roberto should have started this game for the first time in months - then Felipe got himself suspended.
Vasco, 11th placed on 46 points might be a good bet for next season – if they can field the players they want to.
Another crunch relegation battle. Avai are in 17th place on 37 points but only three behind their visitors so a win could stir up the mix. Expect Atletico-GO to try claw themselves further away from danger.
Avai know that this it.
Coach Vagner Benazzi has had a free week because of the friendly internationals and their elimination from the Copa Sudamericana to plan tactics. It may not be enough. Coach Rene Simoes is not sure whether Marcao Josiel will be fit for a game that may confirm their presence in Serie A next season.
Fans should apply for a new set of finger nails now.
Goias are in deep trouble, next to bottom on 32 points. So whatever happens this weekend they will stay there and, depending on other results, may find that the trapdoor has opened. Santos, on the other hand, has consolidated its position and coach Martelotte has stated a wish to improve the team for the Libertadores campaign.
Goias only have 32 points, seven less than Vitoria who are the team just outside of the relegation zone and the team to reach. Having said that, the word on the street is that coach Artur Neto is expected to field an almost experimental team against Santos on Sunday.
All talk this week in the corridors at Santos has been about acquiring the full time services of Elkeson. The 21-year-old is likely to be a target of top European clubs. Shouldn’t they be thinking about their own league games? Oh, no, they’re safe.
Leading by one point from Fluminense, Corinthians travel to Salvador where hosts Vitoria are desperate for points to avoid relegation. After last week’s less than spirited display to claim a point against fellow struggling side Guarani, Vitoria must make sure that it’s not a certainty that the leaders will prevail.
Second placed Fluminense are also on the road, traveling to 9th placed Sao Paulo who still have a chance of entry to the Libertadores Cup. So that’s not going to be easy.
Three points adrift, third placed Cruzeiro, still furious about the dubious penalty that lost them the game 1-0 last Saturday against Corinthians, host middle of the table Vasco.
All of the top three in contention for the title will see it as a disaster if they drop points at this stage though it makes for exciting viewing. The race is still wide open.
Gremio Prudente are already down but there are a number of teams still trying desperately to avoid the last three places for the chop. Goias must have a win over Santos or they can start waving goodbye to Serie A, and six sides above them will feel the noose tightening.
Gremio are only two points behind their visitors on Saturday and, therefore, could trade places if they win and obviously boost their chances of a place in the Libertadores Cup. Atletico-PR, sitting in their highest league position since 2004, need the points for the same reason.
Douglas came in for some fierce criticism by Brazil coach Mano Menenzes for losing the ball in midfield against Argentina last Wednesday in Qatar that led to Lionel Messi’s injury time winner. His Gremio team mates have come out strongly in his defense. If Gremio win and move towards a Libertadores Cup place, expect coach Renato Gaucho to have his contract renewed.
Veteran Paulo Baier has called for Atletico-PR to attack Gremio and play for a win, a sentiment echoed by defender Rhodolfo - “Let’s respect Gremio, but we want to be in the Libertadores Cup, so we’ll fight for this.”
This is a crucial game for both teams. Flamengo are only three points ahead of their visitors so a win for Guarani will plunge the Red and Blacks further into the relegation quagmire and may even lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Behind the scenes financial problems are taking Flamengo’s eyes off the problem in hand – that of relegation. Coach Vanderlei Luxembourg has called upon the experienced players like 34-year-old Kleberson to help guide the younger players through to safety.
It’s step up time for Guarani and one of the players who intends to do that is defender Aislan who accepts the problems that are heaped on the team. “Pressure will always exist. We need to be well focused to win three points in Rio.”
The situation for Guarani is critical. Without a win in ten matches, coach Vagner Mancini is targeting seven points from the last three games to keep them up. It’s a tall order.
Prudente only have their pride to play for after being relegated last weekend. Ceara, on 45 points, are playing out a mediocre league season.
Rumours that Gremio Prudente will leave their new home in Presidente Prudente city because of relegation were denied in a remarkably frank open letter to the fans ending with – “We can’t promise wins but let’s promise a lot of hard work and, above all let’s make Gremio and the city of Presidente Prudente new, elite members of Brazilian football.”
Coach Dimas Filgueras will play 3-5-2, packing the midfield with, probably, Boiadeiro, Joao Marcos, Geraldo, Careca and Arlindo but expect the introduction of Clodoaldo at some point.
This is a must win clash for both teams. Vitoria hover precariously two points above the drop zone so there’s no room for error. Corinthians, on the other hand, have the same points problem but at the other end of the table.
Only one place above the drop zone Vitoria will be up against a Corinthians side desperate for a win to further their championship challenge. Coach Antonio Lopes should have Wallace back in defense. William, captain of current league leaders Corinthians, has said that he will finish at the end of the current season in Serie A.
He’s on two yellow cards and while he won’t duck out of a tackle he also doesn’t want to miss any of the final games due to suspension. Elias and Juselei have returned from international duty in midweek and are expected to play.
Luis Felipe Scolari hasn’t pulled up any palm trees this season with the team mid-table on 50 points. It’s even worse for Atletico-MG who badly need points to avoid dropping into the bottom four.
Palmeiras coach Scolari underplayed a problem during the week after being hit on the head by a fan with a portable radio. Obviously someone not on the same wavelength.
A weakened team may be sent out to preserve their current status including Lincoln who has struggled with fitness of late. Atletico-MG striker Diego Tardelli is expected to play despite taking a knock on his right foot during training in midweek.
Botafogo’s championship challenge faltered recently but they will be fighting to reclaim their spot in the top four. Internacional, placed 8th on 51 points still have reason to finish as high as they can so this is likely to be a close call.
Botafogo captain Lucio Flavio has been commenting this week on in-house disciplinary problems and has rallied his troops to give their utmost in the final stretch of the season. All change for Internacional coach Celso Roth who intends to play what amounts to a reserve team on Sunday with a view to resting players.
This, of course, won’t bother Botafogo who need to get back into the top four if possible.
Sao Paulo still harbor hopes of a place in the Libertadores Cup, sitting as they do in 9th place on 51 points, but recently deposed league leaders Fluminense are only one point off the top spot. All to play for here.
It’s possible that wingback Ilsinho will return to the fray after missing the game against Vasco with a thigh injury. Not so good for striker Fernandinho who is expected to be out for another week.
It’s touch and go whether Fluminense striker Emerson will be fit for Sunday’s game. Coach Muricy Ramalho is keeping his cards close to his chest and if Emerson fails to recover one of Tarta, Rodriguinho or Washington will partner Fred up front in a 4-4-2 formation.
After all that happened last weekend when a dubious penalty deprived them of a draw against top of the table Corinthians the good news is that Montillo may be back after a couple of injuries.
Vasco are looking to next season when they can get their major players together on a regular basis – Eder Luis, Ze Roberto, Felipe and Carlos Roberto should have started this game for the first time in months - then Felipe got himself suspended.
Vasco, 11th placed on 46 points might be a good bet for next season – if they can field the players they want to.
Another crunch relegation battle. Avai are in 17th place on 37 points but only three behind their visitors so a win could stir up the mix. Expect Atletico-GO to try claw themselves further away from danger.
Avai know that this it.
Coach Vagner Benazzi has had a free week because of the friendly internationals and their elimination from the Copa Sudamericana to plan tactics. It may not be enough. Coach Rene Simoes is not sure whether Marcao Josiel will be fit for a game that may confirm their presence in Serie A next season.
Fans should apply for a new set of finger nails now.
Goias are in deep trouble, next to bottom on 32 points. So whatever happens this weekend they will stay there and, depending on other results, may find that the trapdoor has opened. Santos, on the other hand, has consolidated its position and coach Martelotte has stated a wish to improve the team for the Libertadores campaign.
Goias only have 32 points, seven less than Vitoria who are the team just outside of the relegation zone and the team to reach. Having said that, the word on the street is that coach Artur Neto is expected to field an almost experimental team against Santos on Sunday.
All talk this week in the corridors at Santos has been about acquiring the full time services of Elkeson. The 21-year-old is likely to be a target of top European clubs. Shouldn’t they be thinking about their own league games? Oh, no, they’re safe.
