Zubeldía readies Fluminense for semi v Vasco, attack boost, midfield doubt | OneFootball

It's finals atmosphere at Laranjeiras. With a 2-1 disadvantage from the first leg, Fluminense is preparing for a 90-minute battle against Vasco this Sunday (14th) at Maracanã, vying for a spot in the grand final of the Copa do Brasil. To overturn the score, coach Luis Zubeldía is betting on a crucial reinforcement in the attack and maintains a doubt that could change the midfield dynamics.

The week is filled with intense work and a lot of concentration for the Tricolor, who need a win by two goals to advance in regular time. A simple victory will take the electrifying decision to penalties.

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The return of the Uruguayan hurricane

The main and already confirmed change in the starting lineup is the return of Agustín Canobbio. The Uruguayan forward, who served a suspension and was a significant absence in the first match, is back and is the great hope for speed and intensity in the offensive sector.

Canobbio's presence gives Zubeldía more firepower and aggressiveness on the wings, characteristics that will be crucial for a team that needs to dictate the game and seek the goal from the first minute.

Battle in the midfield

If there is certainty in the attack, the midfield holds the coach's biggest doubt. Nonato, who started in the last games, is still the favorite to begin the classic, but the shadow of Hércules grows every day.

The possible inclusion of Hércules in the starting team would represent a change in the sector's characteristics. While Nonato offers more ball control and passing quality, Hércules brings greater marking ability, physical strength, and the element of surprise in the opponent's area.

Zubeldía's decision will hinge on the strategy he intends to adopt for the classic: a team with more ball possession and articulation with Nonato, or a team with more grit and quick transitions with Hércules. The choice could be the detail that defines the course of the semifinal.

Probable Fluminense lineup to face Vasco

Given the scenario, the probable lineup for Fluminense in the all-or-nothing match against Vasco is as follows: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, and Renê; Martinelli, Nonato (Hércules), and Lucho Acosta; Canobbio, Kevin Serna, and Everaldo.

With a strong team and the support of the fans who sold out the tickets at Maracanã, Fluminense is betting on the strength of its squad and Luis Zubeldía's strategy to overcome the disadvantage and secure a spot in the Copa do Brasil final.

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