Vasco face first match of the year without Nuno Moreira in the Brasileirão | OneFootball

The coach Fernando Diniz will face a unique challenge since taking over Vasco: assembling the team without Nuno Moreira. The Portuguese full-back, present in all 31 rounds of the Brazilian Championship so far, received his third yellow card in the defeat against São Paulo and is suspended for the derby against Botafogo, which takes place this Wednesday (5), at the Nilton Santos Stadium.

In addition to Nuno, the coach will also be without Paulo Henrique, suspended for the same reason. The club is also monitoring the situation of Barros, who left the field with muscle pain and is doubtful for the match.

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Options for Nuno Moreira's place

The most likely alternative is the inclusion of David on the left wing. The number 7 has been one of Diniz's first options in the second half and has already started six matches since recovering from injury, scoring two goals in that period. With him on the field, the coach could maintain the current tactical structure, with Andrés Gómez open on the right and Rayan more centralized.

Another possibility is the return of Vegetti to the starting lineup. In this scenario, Rayan would be moved to the left side, performing similar functions to Nuno. This formation would increase finishing power and presence in the area but would reduce offensive mobility — one of the reasons why Vegetti has been starting on the bench.

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Photo: Reproduction.

Diniz might still surprise with less used options. Matheus França, who usually plays more centrally as a second midfielder, and Benjamín Garré, who has only appeared eight times under the coach's command, also emerge as alternatives for the spot.

With changes on the horizon, Vasco seeks to maintain the consistency of recent rounds and continue dreaming of a spot in the G-6 of the Brasileirão.

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