Corinthians double up at full-back, Yuri benched v Athletico-PR | OneFootball

Corinthians is set for the decisive match this Wednesday against Athletico-PR, in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. And there are many changes. The ball will roll from 9:30 pm (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena.

One of the novelties is the double left-back formation, with Angileri and Matheus Bidu on the left side. Forward Memphis Depay, although fatigued from the FIFA break, will start alongside Gui Negão in attack. Meanwhile, Yuri Alberto, recovered from inguinal hernia surgery, starts on the bench.

Right-back Matheuzinho, who had been recovering from an overload in his right thigh, returns to the team. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza, back after serving Brazil, also starts the match.

The other call-ups, Félix Torres, José Martínez, and Romero, are out. Raniele, recovering from a muscle injury in his left thigh, André Carrillo, who underwent surgery on his left ankle, and André Ramalho, diagnosed with a virus, complete the list of absences.

Corinthians Starting XI

Corinthians’ lineup: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, João Pedro Tchoca, and Angileri; Maycon, Matheus Bidu, Breno Bidon, and Rodrigo Garro; Memphis Depay and Gui Negão.

Athletico-PR Starting XI

Athletico-PR also has changes compared to the first leg. With an eye on Série B, coach Odair Hellmann decided to rest some key players, such as Zapelli and Mendoza.

The Furacão will take the field with: Santos; Aguirre, Terán, and Esquivel; Benavídez, Felipinho, Elan Ricardo, Dudu, and Léo Derik; Julimar and Viveros.

Match Situation

Corinthians won the first leg at Ligga Arena, 1-0, with a goal from Gui Negão. With the win in Curitiba, Timão only needs a draw to advance to the semifinals. If Athletico-PR wins by one goal, the match will go to penalties. If the visitors win by two or more goals, the team from São Paulo is eliminated.

The winner of this tie will face Cruzeiro or Atlético-MG in the next round. Raposa won the first leg away from home and will now decide the derby in front of their fans at Mineirão.

Corinthians’ Form

Despite the turbulence surrounding Parque São Jorge, Corinthians are in good form. The black-and-white team has won two of their last three matches and is coming off a 1-1 draw with Palmeiras in Itaquera, in the Brazilian Championship.

This positive run has boosted Dorival Júnior’s morale behind the scenes. In addition, the coach had time to train the team during the FIFA break.

In total, there were six days of preparation to face Athletico-PR.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Athletico-PR’s Form

Athletico-PR is also on the rise. The red-and-black team, although they lost the first leg, has won three consecutive matches in Série B of the Brasileirão.

This streak allowed Furacão to get closer to the top four and return to the fight for promotion to the top tier of national football. The gap to fourth-placed Chapecoense is currently five points. Odair Hellmann’s team is prioritizing the league and does not rule out resting players in the Copa do Brasil.

In the last round, the Paraná team defeated Operário-PR 3-1 away from home.

Corinthians vs Athletico-PR Refereeing

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