Diniz could keep Corinthians core for Chapecoense test amid short squad and tight schedule | OneFootball

Under pressure after three games without a win, Corinthians host bottom side Chapecoense on Sunday, and Fernando Diniz could keep faith with his core group amid a congested run. Kick-off is 19:30 Brasília time at Neo Química Arena in the 26th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Corinthians sit 10th on 32 points, eight behind fifth-placed Bahia and seven above the relegation zone, after two home defeats in Itaquera. According to Globo.com, only minor changes are expected because of confirmed absences.

Diniz will be without Hugo Souza, Gabriel Paulista and Raniele through suspension, while André and Yuri Alberto remain out with thigh injuries. Saturday’s training session will be decisive, but the trend is to retain the base.

The likely core features Kauê, Matheuzinho, João Pedro Tchoca, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu or Angileri. Also Allan, Matheus Pereira or Carrillo, Breno Bidon, Rodrigo Garro, plus Kaio César and Memphis Depay.

After Chapecoense, Corinthians face Flamengo at the Maracanã, Fluminense in Itaquera, Internacional at the Beira-Rio and Palmeiras at the Nubank Parque.

A win could ease pressure before the Conmebol Libertadores quarter-finals against Estudiantes of Argentina. The first leg is on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time in La Plata.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”