Vasco head into the decider with 4 on a booking and a shaky defence | OneFootball

Vasco takes the field this Tuesday (02) to face Mirassol with a double mission: to win in order to keep dreaming of the Libertadores and to avoid suspensions for the final round. The match at São Januário carries a high disciplinary risk, as four players are one yellow card away from suspension and could miss the team’s last match of the Brasileirão.

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Vasco’s defense on the hot seat

According to a recent survey, Fernando Diniz’s biggest headache is in the defensive system. Of the four players at risk, three are undisputed starters and pillars of the tactical scheme. Center-back Carlos Cuesta, left-back Lucas Piton, and midfielder Barros are “walking a tightrope.”

If any of them are cautioned by the referee tonight, they will automatically be suspended for the match against Atlético-MG at the Arena MRV, which closes the championship. The fourth name on the list is midfielder Paulinho, who is expected to start on the bench but must also be careful if he comes on during the match.

Cuesta is enjoying a good moment at Colina – Photo: Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF

Never change a winning team

Despite the risk, Diniz is not expected to rest anyone. The tendency is for the coach to repeat the lineup that thrashed Internacional 5-1. Thiago Mendes remains a key player in midfield alongside Barros and Coutinho.

The good news is the returns. Tchê Tchê and David, who served suspensions in the previous round, are available again and should be important options on the bench. Jair, Adson, and Garré remain in the medical department and will only return in 2026.

Barros is one yellow card away from suspension – Photo: Daniel Ramalho/CRVG

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