Every weekend lately seems to be a crucial one in the Campeonato Brasilieiro and this one’s no different.
Two games left and Fluminense, starting the weekend in top spot on 64 points, travel to Palmeiras for what will be a tricky game. Second placed Corinthians (64 points) entertain mid-table Vasco in what should be three points. Don’t bet on it. At least Corinthians have home advantage.
Cruzeiro on 63 points in third place must win away at Flamengo if they are to maintain a challenge but the hosts are still needing points to be sure of beating the drop.
Don’t dare look at the bottom of the table. If it’s any consolation, Goias and Gremio Prudente fans know they are already relegated and can come to terms with that. Another half dozen teams will be fighting for survival. Stay calm.
Coach Luis Felipe Scolari has said that Palmeiras’ 2-1 mid-week defeat to relegated Goias in the semi-final of the Copa Sudamericana was one of the worst days of his career and has stated that planning for 2011 starts with the game on Sunday against Fluminense.
Title-chasing Fluminense, who lead the table by one point, have Deco, Conca, Fred and Emerson champing at the bit to get on the score sheet and tighten the grip on the league trophy.
Guarani still have a chance to avoid relegation and, although Geovane is suspended, coach Vagner Mancini is upbeat and is likely to start with Romulus and Reinaldo in attack but don’t be surprised if 17 year-old Pablo makes the starting line-up.
Brazil’s national coach Mano Menezes has publicly stated that he was wrong to blame Gremio midfielder Douglas for the mistake that led to the recent defeat against Argentina and has bolstered the player’s confidence by saying that, all being well, he will be in the next squad.
Gremio, in fourth place on 57 points, need a win to consolidate their Libertadores Cup place.
A win will ensure 12th placed Ceara a place in the Copa Sudamericana and striker Marcelo Nicacio says he is confident of a home victory.
However, Atletico-PR coach Sergio Soares is taking no chances with the north eastern heat and has had his players training in high temperatures so that they adapt quickly on Sunday.
They need two wins from their last two games to have a chance of competing in the Libertadores Cup.
Although likely to miss out on a Libertadores Cup spot, Botafogo want coach Joel Santana to stay and reorganize the football side of the club. He wants to wait until the season is over before he discusses his options.
The only good news for relegated Gremio Prudente is that goalkeeper Marcio has returned to the club following his serious cruciate ligament damage.
After a potentially career threatening injury, the player now enters the final stage of his recovery and expects to be playing again in two months.
Striker Abdoulaye Faye will want to get on the score sheet if only to notch up his 50th goal for the club – he missed a penalty last week - and help keep them in Serie A.
They sit in 16th place in the table, only out of the drop zone by goal difference.
Santos, on the other hand, have the Libertadores Cup to look forward to, but expect the likes of Neymar to show no compassion.
Left sided Atletico-MG player Leandro was not surprised that relegated Goias beat Palmeiras in mid-week to get to the final of the Copa Sudamericana because that is what football is all about.
He is more certain that his team has to win to be sure of Serie A football next season.
Goias on the other hand are saddened by their relegation but have had the sadness lessened somewhat by the news that they will share one and a half million dollars if they win the cup.
Legendary left back Roberto Carlos does not believe that Vasco will come into this game not wanting to win. There is professionalism at stake. For Corinthians it is a must win situation if they want to maintain their title challenge.
Vasco are safe. Felipe, who is injured anyway and will not play, has controversially said that a win would help neighbors Fluminense claim the title. Both teams, therefore, have something to play for.
Internacional striker Alecsandro has said that he will have no pity against his former club and will score goals if he can even if they send Vitoria down. “I am a professional and now I play for Internacional.”
Depending on other results, Vitoria can be relegated sitting, as they are, in 17th place on 40 points as they start the game. Jacson and Kleber Pereira are likely to be paired up front.
Coach Vanderlei Luxembourg knows that Flamego only need a point to ensure safety but has called on his team to strive for a victory against title chasing Cruzeiro. It’s going to be tough, especially as Flamengo haven’t beaten Cruzeiro in their last six games stretching back to 2007.
Not as tough a time as the police are having trying to flush out the drug barons in Rio. Cruzeiro management and players are understandably worried – midfielder Roger is a carioca – but have pledged to put the troubles behind them to concentrate on bringing the title home. If they don’t win and other results go against them that dream is over.
With Juninho and Thiago Feltri suspended, Atletico-GO coach Rene Simoes will experiment with top scorer Elias and Mdimaz exchanging positions during the game alongside William. It’s a must win game with three teams on 40 points wanting to avoid relegation.
Sao Paulo coach Paulo Cesar Carpegiani has his own problems with seven players in the treatment room and Richarlyson suspended. Marlos and Lucas Gaucho will lead the attack.
Cruzeiro on 63 points in third place must win away at Flamengo if they are to maintain a challenge but the hosts are still needing points to be sure of beating the drop.
Don’t dare look at the bottom of the table. If it’s any consolation, Goias and Gremio Prudente fans know they are already relegated and can come to terms with that. Another half dozen teams will be fighting for survival. Stay calm.
Coach Luis Felipe Scolari has said that Palmeiras’ 2-1 mid-week defeat to relegated Goias in the semi-final of the Copa Sudamericana was one of the worst days of his career and has stated that planning for 2011 starts with the game on Sunday against Fluminense.
Title-chasing Fluminense, who lead the table by one point, have Deco, Conca, Fred and Emerson champing at the bit to get on the score sheet and tighten the grip on the league trophy.
Guarani still have a chance to avoid relegation and, although Geovane is suspended, coach Vagner Mancini is upbeat and is likely to start with Romulus and Reinaldo in attack but don’t be surprised if 17 year-old Pablo makes the starting line-up.
Brazil’s national coach Mano Menezes has publicly stated that he was wrong to blame Gremio midfielder Douglas for the mistake that led to the recent defeat against Argentina and has bolstered the player’s confidence by saying that, all being well, he will be in the next squad.
Gremio, in fourth place on 57 points, need a win to consolidate their Libertadores Cup place.
A win will ensure 12th placed Ceara a place in the Copa Sudamericana and striker Marcelo Nicacio says he is confident of a home victory.
However, Atletico-PR coach Sergio Soares is taking no chances with the north eastern heat and has had his players training in high temperatures so that they adapt quickly on Sunday.
They need two wins from their last two games to have a chance of competing in the Libertadores Cup.
Although likely to miss out on a Libertadores Cup spot, Botafogo want coach Joel Santana to stay and reorganize the football side of the club. He wants to wait until the season is over before he discusses his options.
The only good news for relegated Gremio Prudente is that goalkeeper Marcio has returned to the club following his serious cruciate ligament damage.
After a potentially career threatening injury, the player now enters the final stage of his recovery and expects to be playing again in two months.
Striker Abdoulaye Faye will want to get on the score sheet if only to notch up his 50th goal for the club – he missed a penalty last week - and help keep them in Serie A.
They sit in 16th place in the table, only out of the drop zone by goal difference.
Santos, on the other hand, have the Libertadores Cup to look forward to, but expect the likes of Neymar to show no compassion.
Left sided Atletico-MG player Leandro was not surprised that relegated Goias beat Palmeiras in mid-week to get to the final of the Copa Sudamericana because that is what football is all about.
He is more certain that his team has to win to be sure of Serie A football next season.
Goias on the other hand are saddened by their relegation but have had the sadness lessened somewhat by the news that they will share one and a half million dollars if they win the cup.
Legendary left back Roberto Carlos does not believe that Vasco will come into this game not wanting to win. There is professionalism at stake. For Corinthians it is a must win situation if they want to maintain their title challenge.
Vasco are safe. Felipe, who is injured anyway and will not play, has controversially said that a win would help neighbors Fluminense claim the title. Both teams, therefore, have something to play for.
Internacional striker Alecsandro has said that he will have no pity against his former club and will score goals if he can even if they send Vitoria down. “I am a professional and now I play for Internacional.”
Depending on other results, Vitoria can be relegated sitting, as they are, in 17th place on 40 points as they start the game. Jacson and Kleber Pereira are likely to be paired up front.
Coach Vanderlei Luxembourg knows that Flamego only need a point to ensure safety but has called on his team to strive for a victory against title chasing Cruzeiro. It’s going to be tough, especially as Flamengo haven’t beaten Cruzeiro in their last six games stretching back to 2007.
Not as tough a time as the police are having trying to flush out the drug barons in Rio. Cruzeiro management and players are understandably worried – midfielder Roger is a carioca – but have pledged to put the troubles behind them to concentrate on bringing the title home. If they don’t win and other results go against them that dream is over.
With Juninho and Thiago Feltri suspended, Atletico-GO coach Rene Simoes will experiment with top scorer Elias and Mdimaz exchanging positions during the game alongside William. It’s a must win game with three teams on 40 points wanting to avoid relegation.
Sao Paulo coach Paulo Cesar Carpegiani has his own problems with seven players in the treatment room and Richarlyson suspended. Marlos and Lucas Gaucho will lead the attack.
