Corinthians vs  Internacional KO 8:50PM EST

Location:  Pacaembu

Here we are, the Copa do Brasil final, after months of play the top 2 teams have emerged.  Both Corinthians and Internacional are champions of their regions and both are having quite the year thus far.  Here at Footy Firm, we believed that Corinthians and Internacional were the teams to beat this year in league play.  Internacional has lived up to their end of the bargin but Corinthians have decided that the Copa do Brasil was their main objective.  No matter how each team got here, they have only 2 more matches to decide who will gain the first place to next seasons Copa Libertadores and be crowned new Copa do Brasil champions.

Corinthians are back into the finals after losing out to Sport last season on goal difference, Timao will definitely not want to relive the nightmare which saw them win convincingly 3-1 at home only to lose 2-0 in Recife.  Corinthians made a big splash this season with the acquisition of Ronaldo.  Since his arrival, the club has benefitted financially but more surprisingly enough his play on the field has been quite a delight to watch.  With Dentinho and Douglas, the Corinthians attack has looked flamboyant and entertaining to watch.  This is the final that Corinthians have been waiting for, they opened up their Serie A campaign at home to Internacional and ended up losing 1-0 so don’t think they have not forgotten about that, but one has to remember at that time Corinthians were prepping up for their Copa do Brasil match 4 days later against Fluminense.  Timao has put all their eggs in one basket here, knowing that they cannot afford to slip up again in the Serie A, a win is a must for the club.  Manager Mano Menezes is keeping a tight lip about what tactics he will use and who he will use.  You could say he’s playing some sort of a mind game but it’s clear that neither he nor Tite want any sort of bickering before the match, they’d rather let their tactics on the pitch do the work.

Internacional have started the year out on fire having lost once in their last 28 matches in all competitions.  Even though the club continued to play in the Copa do Brasil, the team had enough depth to cover any absent starting players.  This is what makes the club dangerous, they are a very versatile club who have proven they can play on the road this year, having traveled to some tough stadiums and getting a positive result when needed.  The play of Nilmar a Taison has gotten a lot of heads turning, especially in Europe.  There is no denying that these two are capable of making a big impact in Europe.  Add D’Alessandro into the mix you’ve got a lethel offensive triangle built around speed.  Internacional is not all about speed though as they have muscle in the middle of the park with Guinazu making his presence known not only due to his size and looks but also his much more aggressive and commanding play.  Overall Internacional have the best team in Brasil right now, a great manager and a fantastic home support makes the club very difficult to beat at any given time.  The only negative for this match specifically is that Nilmar is out with the Brasilian national squad for the Confederations Cup, thus making it quite interesting to see how manager Tite will come into this match without his key marksman.

Both clubs know there is a at stake here, Internacional is celebrating their centennial year and a Copa and Serie A double could be quite the celebration.  However, Corinthians is out to prove that their demotion to Serie B last season was a fluke and that they have the quality to compete not only amongst Brasil best but winning this Copa will mean they can prove their worth in South America.  A fast start is absolutely vital for Corinthians, they cannot sit back and relax today because they know going to Porto Alegre will be hell and way too difficult.  Obtaining a win here not by 1 goal but by 2 will definitely give a huge advantage to Timao.  However, one has to suspect that Inter is going to use it’s tight defense to frustrate the home team and hope they can go back to Porto Alegre with at least a goal or a point.  With all eyes on this match, you can be assure the fans will be absolutely nuts and consistently sing in praise of their home team.  This is going to be Inter’s toughest road match this season and it won’t come as a surprise if they do end up finally crumbling to the pressure.

Projected Line-ups:

Corinthians: Felipe, Alessandro, Chicão, William and Marcelo Oliveira; Cristian, Elijah and Douglas, Jorge Henrique, Dentinho and Ronaldo.

Internacional: Lauro, Danilo Silva, Indian, and Álvaro Marcelo Cordeiro; Sandro, Magrão, and Guiñazú Andrezinho; Taison and Alecsandro.

Prediction: Corinthians 2-0 Internacional

Fluminense vs  Gremio KO 3:00PM EST

Location:  Maracana

Fluminense Home Form:  2W 0D 1L

Gremio Road Form:  0W 0D 2L

A mid-table clash between two giants from their respective Cities.  Fluminense representing Rio and Gremio representing Porto Alegre.  There have been interesting news from both sides, Fluminense more internally, Gremio more on injuries.  Points at home are precious for these clubs as neither team has won a game on the road yet this season, although Fluminense have managed 2 draws.

Fluminense has faced quite a turbulent week, after the fiasco with fans invading the training grounds and even confronting and physically attacking some of the Fluminense players, there is quite an internal war going on so far and could put an effect on the teams efforst on the pitch.  Not only is there a conflict with the fans and board of directors but also amongst some of the players.  Fred and Luiz Alberto got into a little schuffle during a training session.  Frustration is boiling and it’s sad to see a team with so much potential take it out on themselves rather than against their opponents.  Also have to remember that key player Thiago Neves is only at the club till July 4th when he will return to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia from his loan spell.  So the remaining games are of extreme importance for Fluminense to get as much points as they can because replacing Thiago Neves will prove to be very difficult.

Gremio just seems to know how to play at home with pure confidence, yet they cannot get anything going for them on the road.  Even in seasons prior, playing at the Olimpico was not a problem for them, but once they traveled they became rather vulnerable and it eventually is the difference maker from being Brasilerao champions.  They come into this match having a Copa Libertadores game in 4 days against Caracas.  The game is currently tied 1-1 on aggregate but the advantage goes to Gremio for securing that precious away goal and they will take that with them to the comforts of their home.  Gremio will be without key players Douglas Costa, Ruy, and Rever thus moving to a 4-4-2 system rather than the 3-5-2 in which they started  the season with.

Gremio’s mind could be on Caracas in 4 days time but they cannot keep “Sacrificing” games in or else if they do get knocked out of Copa Libertadores they will be too far back in the standings.  Fluminense needs results fast or the fans will continue to pressure them.  Time and time again these Rio teams are often put into a situation where their fans want more.  The players know that another poor result could lead them to more unrest amongst fans.  A win here for Fluminense will definitely cool down the pressure amongst fans and players and that is what will be predicted.  Gremio have yet to prove they can win on the road and considering they do have the Copa game in 4 days it’s hard to see whether or not they come in here with the full intention of being physical.  Last thing you want is to get an injury to a key player prior to a knockout match.  Gremio’s road woes should continue on.

Projected Line-ups:

Fluminense: Ricardo Berna, Diogo, Edcarlos, Luiz Alberto e João Paulo; Wellington Monteiro, Marquinho, Darío Conca e Carlos Eduardo; Thiago Neves e Fred

Gremio: Marcelo Grohe; Willian Thiego, Léo, Rafael Marques e Fábio Santos; Túlio, Adilson, Tcheco e Souza; Maxi López e Alex Mineiro

Prediction: Fluminense 2-1 Gremio

Here is a clip of the small scuffle between Luiz Alberto and Fred

Botafogo vs  Santos KO 5:30PM EST

Location:  Engenhão

Botafogo Home Form:  0W 2D 0L

Santos Road Form:  1W 2D 0L

The heat is on Ney Franco.  A lack of positive results has seen the Botafogo fans become restless and lots of fingers are pointing at Ney Franco.  Sure they lost Maicosuel but it does not mean they cannot compete.  The Engenhão has been empty for the most part this season so there is a lack of home field advantage.  Botafogo just seems like a club not willing to invest at this current time, worried about future debts they have to pay off, they are now struggling to reinforce and lack cover for Maicosuel and the injured Reinaldo.  The club has scored a miserable 3 goals in 5 games thus far and are still winless this season.  They are another club that is on the verge of an internal meltdown, do the players even care at this point in time or is change really necessary to spark a revival?  Botafogo need to know how it feels like to score on a consistent basis and that in itself is such a major challenge for them at this point in time.  Constant rotation by Franco is often confusing the players and their roles are sometimes reversed.  A win here could ease the tension at the club but it may not be enough.  The stadium is lacking any sort of fans filling it up so any road team visiting could have just as many fans supporting them as the home crowd.

Santos seems to have finally gotten a new era of youngsters together.  The club is well known for producing random gem’s and so far this year the youngsters are really proving their worth.  Having started the year undefeated, the squad can score and when you have players such as Neymar, Madson and Kleber to lead your attack you are bound to see some entertaining football.  There is no denying the talent of Santos, however sometimes too much youth can be a bad thing, a lack of experience can eventually be their downfall.  The club has proven it can play on the road this year and won’t be surprising that come end of the season Santos will be the most successful road team in the league.  Having already played Gremio, Fluminense, and Santo Andre on the road in league play and coming out with points in all 3, the club also had some regional games against Corinthians and Palmeiras where again they were unfazed by being the road team and came out with a positive result.

Again we see two teams in opposite directions.  Botafogo struggling to gain some confidence, Santos just on fire, scoring goals all over.  The key here is whether or not Botafogo can score and can Santos play some defense?  Santos has failed to see any sort of cleansheet in their last 7 overall games, Botafogo on the other hand have managed to be a part of 3 games with cleansheets.  End of the day a team that has more internal pressure facing a team that seems to be very relaxed can lead to quite a disaster for Botafogo.  A Santos win could be a blessing in disguise for Botafogo as they really need some drastic changes before it is too late.  Santos to come out victorious and maintain their unbeaten record.

Projected Line-ups:

Botafogo: Renan; Alessandro, Leandro Guerreiro, Emerson and  Eduardo; Fahel, Léo Silva, Batista, Lúcio Flávio; Tony and Victor Simões.

Santos: Fábio Costa; Wagner Diniz (Pará), Fabão, Fabiano Eller and Léo; Roberto Brum, Rodrigo Souto, Paulo Henrique Lima, Madson and Molina; Kléber Pereira.

Prediction: Botafogo 1-3 Santos
Here is some eye candy for you boys out there, a devoted Santos fan doing a little tribute about the club.

Fluminense vs  Botafogo KO 5:30PM EST

Location:  Maracana

Fluminense Home Form:  1W 0D 1L

Botafogo Road Form:  0W 1D 1L

A Rio derby this weekend between Fluminense and Botafogo.  Both clubs are on a poor run of late and need to pick up the pace.   Considering this is a derby, you can expect each side to be very physical and go all out in hopes of having an advantage over their city rival.  For both clubs, the fans are very very disappointed and considering they are both from Rio, the fans can get even more fanatical by demanding a sacking, attacking their own players, etc.

Fluminense are just struggling to find any sort of goals.  Scoring only 3 goals in their opening 4 matches, this is absolutely poor.  Thiago Neves and Fred will lead the attack in hopes of finally getting some offensive flare to the team.  Last week there was a scuffle at a Fluminense training session where a fan attacked Diguinho.  This sparked quite a controversy and many within the team wondered about their safety.  It’s simple, win games and the fans will praise you rather than hunt you.  Last week, the Tricolor managed a point up in Recife, although Nautico did have plenty of chances to secure a win.

Botafogo are still missing key striker Reinaldo through injury.  This is terrible news considering the team also has a poor offensive record with only 3 goals in the campaign thus far.  Last week,  the Alvinegro showed more confidence in the attack against Sport, however, it took them being two goals down to really start pressuring.  There were plenty of wasteful opportunities in that game and it must be addressed.  Manager Ney Franco has been constantly switching up his players still trying to find the best possible starting XI.  He is expected to rotate his formation between a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 for this match.  Fluminense aren’t the only team that is facing some issues from their fans.  Last week, there were very few Botafogo fans in the stands and they won’t come out to support a club that continues to underperform.  This week, hooligans of the Alvinegro posted a warning at the headquarters of General Severiano “A Chase will be made”  This means if positive results do not start showing up, you can expect players to be hunted down by the fans during training sessions.

Both these teams know what is at stake.  Lots of pride at stake but more importantly points.  Each Rio team always wants to one up the other and make a statement but with the way Fluminense and Botafogo have been playing so far this year it’s hard to say if any team is better than the other even if we have a victor in this match.  This will be a heated encounter, with loads of passion involved, perhaps plenty of yellow cards and red cards to go around.  Whichever team is more physically and mentally prepared will be the winner.  It won’t matter too much who has more talent at this time, it’s who wants this game more than the other.  Considering this game is being played at the Maracana, one has to feel Fluminense will gain more support and fill the stadium up moreso than Botafogo.  The attack of Thiago Neves and Fred seems more likely to break loose than Tony and Victor Simões

Projected Line-ups:

Fluminense: Ricardo Berna, Diogo, Cássio, Edcarlos e João Paulo; Wellington Monteiro, Marquinho, Carlos Eduardo e Darío Conca; Thiago Neves e Fred

Botafogo: Renan, Emerson, Juninho e Leandro Guerreiro; Alessandro, Fahel, Thiaguinho, Lucio Flavio e Eduardo; Tony e Victor Simões

Prediction: Fluminense 1-0 Botafogo

Surely this result has sparked a major warning to the rest of the CONEMBOL that Brasil are to be taken seriously even though their last few results were rather weak.

Great work by Elano and Dani Alves, seems like Kaka’s head was elsewhere…possibly in Madrid!

Here is a video of goals and highlights

Sport vs  Flamengo KO 3:00PM EST

Location:  Ilha do Retiro

Sport Home Form:  1W 0D 1L

Flamengo Road Form:  1W 0D 1L

This is quite the intriguing match up, not based on standings or current play but because one team is trying to organize itself within and another has a player that the whole country is talking about.  Both Sport and Flamengo aren’t having the best starts this year, both are out of any sort of cup competition and considering there are plenty of other teams with a fast start to the season, neither team can afford to lose points.

Sport has had a rollercoaster of a season thus far, losing out in the Copa Libertadores, starting off very poorly in the league, and having a manager resign.  Last week they traveled to Rio to play Botafogo and quite honestly they were very lucky to even scrap away with a point in that match after being dominated by Botafogo for most parts of that match.  Nevertheless, the team got what they needed, a point.  The club recently hired former Atletico Mineiro boss Emerson Leão who was let go by the Mineiro last month due to another loss to rivals Cruzeiro.  With no time to waste, he has quickly changed the line up.  Sport defender Igor, was sent to the bench after being in the starting line up for a good 2 years.  The formation is being changed from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2.  Small little tweaks seem to have fired up the Sport players and this is a start for some positive results.  However, one small set back is that Emerson Leão won’t be on the sidelines for this match due to a suspension he received during the Mineiro championships.  The question is, will there finally be stability for the Lions of the North!

After going 3 games without scoring a goal, Flamengo has scored at least a goal in their last 3 matches.  Last week saw the arrival of The Emperor, Adriano, and what better way to kick off your Flamengo debut than to score.  The crowd was really up to seeing him in action and after so much debate of how match ready he will be, he silenced the critics.  Ronaldo is to Corinthians as Adriano is to Flamengo.  He will essentially create a buzz all over Brasil and have people come out just to watch him.  One has to remember, Flamengo is the most heavily supported club in the nation, not only do they have a huge following in Brasil but even in the north.  The state of Paraiba, located a few kilometres north of Pernambuncano, have plenty of Flamengo supporters, you can be assured they will come out in numbers to see their club play as the trip from Rio to Recife is of great distance.  Flamengo manager Cuca will be playing a different formation.  Wellington will replace Kleberson who is currently with the Selecao for the WCQ, Willians will move to the midfield.  Back to back positive results has seen the club breathe a sigh of relief.  There was even talks of manager Cuca leaving his post but it seems that slowly the club is coming together, after all the fans have quite a huge demand from their team.

Will this be a home game for Sport?  It should be but with Flamengo being such a popular and heavily supported team all over, the visitors will surely have some friends welcoming them.  We know just how bad both these teams need points.  Sport is still winless in the league and giving up points here could pose a major threat to their campaign.  Flamengo are slowly coming back to life, all they needed was one positive result to ignite their season.  I think we can expect a very tightly contested match and  rest assured that there will be plenty of TV viewers glued to their televisions for this match.  At the end of the day you have to give credit to the team that is getting the results lately, it is just too hard to back Sport at this time, they have long needed home field advantage and so far this season they look lost playing infront of their home fans.  Flamengo should be able to gun for their 3rd straight victory.

Projected Starting Line-ups:

Sport: Magrão, Moacir, César, Durval e Dutra; Elizeu, Sandro Goiano, Luciano Henrique e Fumagalli; Ciro e Wilson

Flamengo:  Bruno, Welinton, Aírton e Ronaldo Angelim; Leonardo Moura, Toró, Willians, Ibson e Juan; Emerson e Adriano

Prediction: Sport 1 – 2 Flamengo

Here is a video of “Fla Recife” group welcoming the Flamengo players in the airport.

“The Emperor is back, The Emperor is back!”

Vitoria 0-2 Gremio

Santos 2-0 Corinthians

Flamengo 1-0 Atletico PR

Internacional 1-0 Avai

Nautico 2-0 Fluminense

Think you can do well in predictions?  Then share your thoughts!

Location:  Estadio dos Alfitos

This game pits two teams the media had predicted this season to do two different things.  Fluminense were suppose to be challenging for the Copa Libertadores spot with the line up they posses.  Nautico were suppose to struggle but yet have defied expectations with some intriguing performances thus far.  The build up to this match couldn’t of been more fitting for either side because they both have their own agendas.

Nautico are riding high in their first 3 matches.  Started the season with an amazing comeback from being 3-1 down on the road to Goias, then they followed that display with a convincing 2-0 win over Cruzeiro at home.  Then last week, when Atletico Panaraense looked to have sealed the deal with a 2-0 lead at HT, a second half blitz from the Recife side saw them make another dramatic come back only this time they won 3-2.  The squad is on a high right now, their bitter rivals Sport are struggling so this is the perfect time for the club to take advantage of their rivals situation and become the Kings of Recife.  Though Nautico is a smaller team, they are definitely going to break most teams on the counter and out run them.  However, this match key striker Gilmar is out injured so in comes young forward Iessa who has blistering pace.

Fluminense is in quite a big mess.  During midweek Diguinho was attacked by one of the ultra’s in a training session, all hell broke loose as riot police had to be used and a shot was signaled for a warning.  Fluminense captain  and goal keeper Fernando Henrique commented on the situation and felt the guard did the right thing by shooting a loaded gun.  From this moment, the Fluminense board launched a policy where they would not give out free tickets to any of the Ultras.  Was the matter closed?  Unfortunately not, Fernando Henrique when public again and said the board’s decision to cancel the free tickets to the Ultras was wrong.  By opening his mouth, he is suspended for this match.  Manager Carlos Alberto Perriera is starting to feel the heat, if he loses this match than you can soon expect a new manager in place.  The purchase of Fred was suppose to revive Fluminense but so far there has been very little action.  Thiago Neves is leaving the club and won’t be long till other players follow suit when the European transfer market opens.  All 3 Rio teams, Botafogo, Flamengo and now Fluminense seem to be searching for answers.  They thought they had figured it out during the regionals but so far in league play Fluminense has just been awful.  Fluminense offense has been goaless in their last two matches on the road, there is a lack of creativity and now harmony is shot.

Both these teams going in opposite directions.  The Estadio dos Alfitos will be rammed packed for this match, many of my friends will be there at the game.  A team that is currently on a high is far more likely to win than a team that is searching for answers and has internal issues that need to be dealt with.  Don’t be surprised if you see some of the Fluminense players just give up in a response to the mid-week fiasco.

Projected Line-ups:

Nautico: Eduardo; Gladstone, Vágner Silva, Asprilla e Wellington; Júnior Carioca, Derley, Johnny, Carlinhos Bala; Kuki e Anderson Lessa.

Fluminense: Ricardo Berna, Diogo, Edcarlos, Luiz Alberto e João Paulo; Wellington Monteiro, Marquinho, Carlos Eduardo, Darío Conca; Thiago Neves e Fred.

Prediction: Nautico 2-0 Fluminense
Here is the video of the midweek fiasco between fans and Fluminense players

Welcome to the Estadio dos Alfitos!

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