Santos vs 
Corinthians KO 3:00PM EST
Location: Vila Belmiro
This will be the highlight of the weekend, two classic foes from Sao Paulo, although Santos is more on the outskirts of the city. Nevertheless they are both big clubs and have a large following. Both clubs have started the season rather mediocore, although in Corinthians defense they have been focusing solely on the Copa do Brasil and on the weekends manager Mano Menezes has rested a lot of his key players, it won’t be different again this weekend.
Santos are coming off a convincing 4-1 victory over Fluminense in Rio, this result was needed after they gave up a 3-1 lead at home to Goias, wasting a chance to move up the ladder early in the season. After last season’s poor finish, the Peixe rarely get any sort of recognition just because Sao Paulo, Palmeiras and Corinthians are all in the headlines these days. But if you are a big football fan you will know the history that Santos has and the players that have come through this club. Players such as Pele, Robinho, Diego, and Elano have all gone through the youth ranks at Santos. Now the club has produced a new breed of amazing youngsters such as Neymar and Madson. Both these kids want to make a name for themselves, and follow the footsteps of the great players before them. Whenever Corinthians play, there will be people glued to the tv so what better way to show the rest of the country what you are made of. For Santos as a team, gaining a win here would be a great way to kick start some positive results.
Corinthians are edging so close to the Copa Libertadores. Having played a 1-1 draw vs Vasco mid-week all the club needs to do is draw 0-0 or win by a small margin. The percentages are on their side considering how well they have played as a full squad and Vasco’s inexperience. With all the competitions that Corinthians has been in, it is very important that the players get enough rest to give the club 100% on important matches. The club did win last week vs Barueri however it was rather unconvincing and the visitors could of easily claimed a draw in the very least. Now we’re facing a situation where the club will be fielding a b-squad. It is quite obvious that Man Menezes has his sights firmly on Copa do Brasil. What is worrisome is that if they do not progress or win the Copa do Brasil, all this resting will have been for a lost cause. From being a promoted club from Serie B to the talk of the nation, Corinthians has 6 sponsors on their jersey, starting to look like a formula 1 outfit. With Ronaldo’s presence this club has been reeling in money from left right and centre. There is so much publicity going on with this club and it seems people from all over want to see them succeed. Not teams playing against them though. Players such as Dentinho are getting used quite a bit and it can be worrisome that the player maybe jaded very soon, playing for the U-20s, Paulista, Brasilerao and Copa do Brasil the young player is getting a lot of playing time and recognition however he still is 20 and this could be a little bit too much action for him.
Santos lost to Corinthians in the Paulista Finals, do not think the club has forgotten about that. This is the golden opportunity for pay back and to make it even more of an advantage for them, they now face a weakened Corinthians squad. Will the team be satisfied that they are playing a weaker Corinthians club? Won’t matter too much because a win is a win. Timao do have a pretty good B team so lets not go too crazy of a trashing. These fringe players will be out to proove their worth as a starter, however playing in a tight compact stadium such as the Vila Belmiro can be very very intimidating, the fans are in your face, chirping, whistling and taunting, it is definitely not a place to be enjoyed as an opponent.
Projected Line-ups:
Santos: Fábio Costa; Luizinho, Fabão, Fabiano Eller e Léo; Roberto Brum, Rodrigo Souto, Paulo Henrique Lima e Madson; Molina (Neymar) e Kléber Pereira
Corinthians: Júlio César; Diogo, Jean, Renato e Wellington Saci; Jucilei, Moradei, Boquita e Morais; Lulinha e Souza
Prediction: Santos 2-0 Corinthians
Here is a highlight video of the first leg Paulista Finals at Vila Belmiro
If you want to see how crazy Santos fans can be than watch how they greet the team bus and witness the atmosphere of a packed Vila Belmiro
