Corinthians vs Athletico PR – News and Probable Lineups

Corinthians are set to host Athletico Paranaense, who are currently enjoying a strong season, at Neo Quimica Arena this Thursday night in the Brasileiro Serie A. The home team aims to maintain their unbeaten streak in the league against one of the top-performing clubs in the division.

The home side is currently ninth in the standings with 28 points from 20 games, whereas their opponents sit in third place with 36 points after a remarkable resurgence following the FIFA World Cup break.

Match overview

Corinthians have extended their unbeaten run in the Brasileiro to four matches, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bahia last time out.

Fernando Diniz’s squad started brilliantly as Fabrizio Angileri put them ahead early on, but they couldn’t capitalize on that lead and ended up conceding an equalizer before the interval after struggling to maintain possession.

The outcome leaves Corinthians three points behind the top five, although there have been positive signs since Diniz took over, with Timão demonstrating improved defensive structure while also enhancing their attacking efforts gradually.

A demanding schedule awaits the São Paulo giants, who are set to engage in Copa do Brasil matches against Internacional prior to kicking off their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 campaign against Rosario Central next month.

These upcoming commitments may impact team choices on Thursday, but Corinthians can take pride in their impressive home performance against Athletico, having not lost to them in the last seven encounters at Neo Quimica Arena.

Athletico, on the other hand, arrives in high spirits after an excellent start to the latter part of the season.

The visitors have recorded back-to-back victories since the season resumed, having turned around a deficit to defeat Sao Paulo 2-1 before following this with an authoritative 2-0 triumph over Internacional.

These successes have solidified their grip on third place and extended a streak that has seen them emerge as serious title contenders this season.

Mauricio Barbieri’s team has blended defensive solidity with attacking prowess throughout the campaign, conceding only 19 goals in 20 league fixtures and remaining one of the most threatening teams in transition.

Kevin Viveros has been a key player in this impressive run, as the Colombian striker is leading the league in goals, having netted 12 times after scoring again against Internacional.

Team News

Corinthians have suffered a setback at left-back, as Angileri received his third yellow card of the season against Bahia and will serve a one-match ban.

Matheus Bidu remains a doubt due to a groin issue, while Hugo Farias is still in recovery after knee surgery, leaving Diniz with limited natural options on the left side of defence.

Memphis Depay has returned to training following his post-World Cup break and is getting closer to a return, although this match may come too early for the Dutch forward.

Athletico will be without Arthur Dias, who has accumulated his third booking of the season and will serve a suspension as a result.

The visitors are also expected to continue without Mycael, Felipinho, and Bruno Zapelli, who are all in the process of recovery from injuries.

Kevin Viveros will again spearhead the attack after continuing his impressive scoring streak, with Leozinho expected to provide backup in the offensive zone.

Corinthians probable starting XI:

Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique, Pedro Milans; Raniele, Andre, Breno Bidon, Rodrigo Garro; Kaio Cesar, Yuri Alberto

Athletico Paranaense probable starting XI:

Saints; Habraao, Aguirre, Esquivel; Gilberto, Jadson, Gustavo, Claudinho; Mendoza, Leozinho; Kevin Viveros

Corinthians have become increasingly tough to defeat under Diniz and boast an impressive recent record at home against Athletico. However, the visitors come in as one of the most consistent teams in the league and are playing with significant confidence.

With the hosts possibly managing their squad ahead of crucial knockout matches, and Athletico bringing strong momentum into the fixture, a closely contested draw seems like the most probable result.