Santos unveil academy gem, four changes for Sul-Americana: line-ups | OneFootball

Santos is set for its Copa Sudamericana debut against Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador. Head coach Cuca has handed a debut to a youth gem and made four changes from the match against Flamengo, but he will be without his main stars: Neymar and Gabigol.

Deportivo Cuenca and Santos face off later this Wednesday at 7 p.m. (Brasília time) at Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Santos have new faces

Santos will take the field with changes in defense. Youth prospect Rafael Gonzaga gets his first chance with the team, straight into the starting lineup, while Gustavinho is expected to play at right back. In midfield, the side is reinforced by the inclusion of Willian Arão.

Up front, Peixe welcome back the important Rony, who served a suspension last weekend. The No. 11 regains his spot and will form the attacking line alongside Moisés and Lautaro Díaz.

Santos line up with: Gabriel Brazão; Gustavo Henrique, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres and Rafael Gonzaga; Christian Oliva, Willian Arão and Gabriel Bontempo; Moisés, Lautaro Díaz and Rony.

Deportivo Cuenca lineup confirmed

On the other side, Deportivo Cuenca are also set. Defender Eddie Guevara, who was substituted due to pain over the weekend, starts on the bench.

The Ecuadorian team’s lineup is: Facundo Ferrero; Mateo Maccari, Patricio Boolsen, Santiago Postel and Carlos Arboleda; Edison Vega, Jeremy Chacon and David González; Lucas Mancinelli, Melvin Diaz and Nicolás Leguizamón.

How are the teams coming in?

Santos are going through a poor run and have won only one of their last five matches, coming off a 3-1 away defeat after leading against Flamengo. On the other side, Deportivo Cuenca have also been inconsistent, with two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five games.

Officiating for Deportivo Cuenca vs. Santos

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