Cruzeiro flying, but may rest stars v Corinthians in the Brasileirão | OneFootball

Corinthians host Cruzeiro on Sunday evening (16) at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena, in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. Timão’s opponent, the Minas Gerais side arrives in São Paulo in good form this season, but should make changes to the starting lineup because of the decisive Libertadores match ahead.

Cruzeiro sit sixth in the Brasileirão standings with 33 points from 22 matches, just one more than Corinthians, who are in eighth with 32. Their closeness in the table makes this a direct clash in the race for the top spots. With Bahia and Chapecoense drawing, the Bahia club reached 34 points, leaving open the possibility that the winner of the match in Itaquera could end the round in fifth place.

Photo: Gustavo Aleixo / Cruzeiro

In addition to their favorable position in the table, Cruzeiro are on a solid run. Artur Jorge’s team is unbeaten in five matches across all competitions and has suffered only one defeat in its last 15 games. In the Brazilian Championship, they have won two straight.

Their most recent match came in the Libertadores. Last Wednesday (12), Cruzeiro hosted Flamengo at Mineirão and drew 1-1 in the first leg of the round of 16. Now, qualification will be decided next Wednesday (19) at the Maracanã.

Precisely because of how close the two matches are, Artur Jorge may rest some of his main players against Corinthians. Gerson, Matheus Pereira, and Kaio Jorge are among the names who could have their minutes managed with the continental clash in mind.

On the other hand, the coach has regained options to set up the team. Fagner and Lucas Romero are available again after serving suspensions against Flamengo. The right-back, in fact, could start and return to Neo Química Arena for the first time as an opponent since his permanent departure from Corinthians.

Another former Corinthians player who could appear in the starting lineup is Wesley. Recently signed by Cruzeiro after a failed move to return to Parque São Jorge, the forward quickly earned space and already scored on his debut for the Minas Gerais side. Against Flamengo, he also got a chance among the starting 11.

On the other hand, Kaique Kenji is suspended and will not face Timão. Cruzeiro also has absences due to physical issues: Cássio is recovering from a left knee injury, Luis Sinisterra is being treated for a left thigh injury, and Gabriel Pec is out with a fracture in his left tibia.

The Minas Gerais side also comes into the match paying close attention to bookings. Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, Otávio, Kauã Moraes, and Lucas Silva are one yellow card away from suspension. If any of them receives a third yellow in Itaquera, they will miss Cruzeiro’s next Brazilian Championship match.

With the possibility of rotating the squad, players who have had fewer opportunities recently may be given a chance. In addition to Fagner and Romero, names such as João Marcelo, Matheus Henrique, Zé Lucas, and Lucho Rodríguez appear among Artur Jorge’s alternatives for the starting lineup.

Probable Cruzeiro lineup

With the possibility of resting some players because of the Libertadores, Artur Jorge is expected to make changes to the team that starts the match. Fagner, who did not face Flamengo because he was suspended, is among the favorites to start at right-back. Wesley should also remain in attack.

Cruzeiro’s probable lineup is: Otávio; Fagner, João Marcelo, Fabrício Bruno and Villalba (Kauã Moraes); Zé Lucas, Matheus Henrique and Gerson; Wesley, Lucho Rodríguez (Kaio Jorge) and João Costa

Even with possible changes, Cruzeiro arrive in São Paulo defending a five-match unbeaten run and trying to stay among the top teams in the Brasileirão. On the other side, Corinthians have the chance to move directly ahead of their opponent and break into the competition’s top five.

After Sunday’s clash, both teams will immediately turn their attention back to the Libertadores. Cruzeiro will decide qualification against Flamengo on Wednesday (19), while Corinthians host Rosario Central on Thursday (20) at 9:30 p.m. at Neo Química Arena, after a 0-0 draw in Argentina.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.