This Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. Brasília time), Águia de Marabá face São Paulo in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil third round. The matchup, set to excite soccer fans, will be played at Estádio Mangueirão in Belém.
Águia, who have surprised in every Copa do Brasil appearance, face their biggest challenge in a long time against the defending champions. Because their home ground, Zinho de Oliveira, does not meet the minimum requirements for this stage of the competition, the Marabá side cannot play there. In their last game, Águia lost away to River-PI.
São Paulo, making their debut in this year’s Copa do Brasil, are looking to defend the title they won last season, the first in the club’s history in this competition. Under head coach Luis Zubeldía, in his third game in charge, the Tricolor are expected to field a mixed lineup.
Check out the probable lineups:
Águia de Marabá – Head coach: Mathaus Sodré
Coach Mathaus will be missing only one player for the matchup: center back Cassius, sidelined with health issues. Otherwise, the team will be at full strength to face São Paulo. One possible tactical change stands out, with Braga playing more centrally and opening a spot for Wander in the starting lineup.
Probable lineup: Axel Lopes; Bruno Limão, David Cruz, Betão and Alan Maia; Wender, Junior Dindê and Mariano; Hitalo, Braga and Wander.
São Paulo
With a packed schedule and a crowded injury list, São Paulo are expected to field a team full of backups. Zubeldía has already signaled his intention to “rotate the squad,” giving chances to players such as Ferraresi, Luiz Gustavo, Erick and Galoppo.
Probable lineup: Jandrei, Moreira, Diego Costa (Sabino), Ferraresi and Patryck; Luiz Gustavo and Bobadilla; Ferreira (Erick), Galoppo and Nestor; William Gomes.
Out: Rafinha (fractured left fibula), Lucas (muscle injury in the left thigh), Wellington Rato (left ankle syndesmosis injury and sprain), Welington (ligament injury in the right ankle), Pablo Maia (injury to the conjoint tendon of the semitendinosus and biceps femoris in the left thigh).
