Vasco go full strength for crunch clash with Volta Redonda in the Carioca | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama concluded this Friday the preparation for the decisive match against Volta Redonda, valid for the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Carioca. The match will be played this Saturday (14), at 9:30 PM, in São Januário, and is worth a direct spot in the semi-finals of the state competition.

Under pressure from results and the need for affirmation this season, coach Fernando Diniz is expected to field the best he has available. The tendency is to repeat the starting base that has been playing in the recent commitments.

+ The end of the “Cauldron”? Diniz has more defeats than victories managing Vasco at home in the Brasileirão

Cuiabano is presented at Vasco — Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Vasco will have full strength against Volta Redonda

Despite having practically the entire squad available, two names remain off the list: Cuiabano and Hugo Moura.

Presented last week, Cuiabano has already had his name published in the CBF's BID, but is still undergoing specific physical reconditioning work at CT Moacyr Barbosa. The coaching staff chose not to rush the process to avoid risks and have the full-back in optimal condition for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Hugo Moura is absent due to a physical issue. The midfielder felt discomfort in the back of his right thigh during the warm-up before the classic against Botafogo and is still recovering.

As a result, Diniz is expected to repeat the formation considered ideal at the moment. Vasco's probable lineup is: Léo Jardim; Puma Rodríguez (Paulo Henrique), Cuesta, Robert Renan, and Lucas Piton; Barros, Thiago Mendes, and Coutinho; Nuno Moreira, Andrés Gómez, and Brenner.

+ Vasco has its worst start in the Brasileirão in the last 7 years

Diniz instructs Vasco players against Bahia — Photo: Jorge Rodrigues/AGIF

Single match defines spot in the Campeonato Carioca semi-final

Vasco and Volta Redonda open the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Carioca in a single match. As it is an elimination game, the winner secures a direct spot in the semi-finals. In case of a draw in regular time, the decision will go to penalties.

The expectation is for a full house in São Januário to push the Cruz-Maltino in search of qualification. After fluctuations in the early rounds of the state championship, Vasco sees the duel as an opportunity to consolidate Fernando Diniz's work and gain confidence for the rest of the year.

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