Without commitments for the Copa Libertadores of America and with its debut in the Brazil Cup scheduled only for the next day 16, coach Mano Menezes had the chance to count on the whole week to prepare the team. That had not happened for over a month.
Not for that the tranquility was total. Right-back Edilson caused turbulence by saying in an interview that he hopes to return to defend Grêmio, the team that negotiated with Cruzeiro, “as fast as possible.” The statement, of course, caused upheaval in the fans of the mining team and the player had to apologize.
Despite the controversy, the player will most likely be scaled by coach Mano Menezes for the match this Saturday. Despite having been spared from training throughout the week, midfielder Thiago Neves and striker Raniel should also be available to the coach.
After a lower start than expected, Cruzeiro gained more peace of mind by defeating Botafogo in the fourth round. With a 1-0 win, they climbed four places in the standings but are still far below expectations. It occupies the fourteenth place of Brasileirão.
What really gave peace for Mano Menezes to work was the 7-0 win over Universidad Católica in Mineirão and 4-0 in Vasco in Rio de Janeiro that left Cruzeiro in good shape in the Cup Liberators of America.
With the week off for training, the Sport had a rare period of calm. The fruit of two consecutive victories since Claudinei Oliveira assumed the technical command. After scoring 2 to 1 in the Paraná, in Curitiba, the red-black made 2 to 0 in the classic against Bahia in the day of number four.
The success in the classic against the Bahian tricolor made the Lion win six positions in the table and take eighth place in the standings. For the duel this Sunday, the coach should promote the return of the goalkeeper Magrão.
One of the greatest idols in club history, the goalkeeper underwent surgery and returned earlier than expected to training. He is expected to be among the starters in Sunday’s match. Mailson, who started the last two games, returns to the bank.
There is still some doubt as to the right-back. Cláudio Winick, head of the position, did not participate in all the training of the week for having thigh pain. It is believed that he will recover in time and act this Sunday. If that does not happen, the one chosen to vacate will be the midfielder Fabrizio, who improvised training in position throughout the week.Who can appear for the first time among the related is the midfielder and striker Rafael Marques, who was in Cruzeiro. He has appeared in the new club on Wednesday and depends on regularizing his entry to appear in Sunday’s duel, probably on the bench.
Having had a rare opportunity to train throughout the week and playing in their domains, Cruzeiro is the best betting option for Sunday’s showdown.
Prediction Today: Cruzeiro
Odds: 1.40
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