Corinthians vs Internacional – News and Probable Lineups

This Sunday at the Neo Quimica Arena, Corinthians will face Internacional in the tenth round of the Brasilian Championship, with the match set to kick off at 11:30 pm BST.

The home side is currently in a tough situation, as they have not secured a win in their last eight matches of the season, while Internacional arrives on the back of an unbeaten streak in their last three league matches.

Match overview

Corinthians’ last win in the Brasilian Championship dates back to February 19, almost six weeks ago, when they achieved a 1-0 victory against Athletico Paranaense away from home. They also participated in the Campeonato Paulista since then, but their journey ended in elimination.

In their state championship, Corinthians managed to defeat Portuguesa in the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Gremio Novorizontino in the semi-finals. In the Brasilian Championship, they have yet to win in six matches, recording four draws and two losses, putting more pressure on the team.

Presently, Corinthians sit 14th in the Brasileirao table with 10 points from nine matches, having achieved two wins, four draws, and three defeats. They have scored eight goals while conceding ten, with three of their last four games ending in draws.

The club faced a tough 3-1 defeat against Fluminense last Wednesday, a result that has further raised the stakes for head coach Dorival Junior, with fans voicing their discontent outside the Joaquim Grava training center the following day.

The head coach is aware that the team must turn things around, viewing the match against Internacional as a crucial opportunity.

Internacional, on the other hand, began their campaign in the Brasilian Championship slowly, not achieving their first win until the seventh round, where they overcame Santos at the Vila Belmiro.

They followed this victory with another home win over Chapecoense, and in their latest match, they hosted Sao Paulo at the Beira-Rio.

Internacional took an early lead through Alerrandro, but they faltered in the second half, allowing an equalizer. However, the draw was sufficient to lift them out of the relegation zone.

Currently, Internacional is just outside the bottom four with nine points from nine matches, having recorded two wins, three draws, and four defeats, scoring eight goals and conceding ten, leading to a goal difference of minus two.

The club is gearing up for Sunday’s match while also looking ahead to the upcoming Gre-Nal derby against Gremio on Saturday, April 11, following their game with Corinthians.

Team News

Dorival Junior is anticipated to welcome back goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who returns after representing Brasil during the FIFA international break.

However, Corinthians will still be missing six players; Hugo is out due to a meniscus injury, Kaio Cesar has a thigh issue, Gui Negao is struggling with a tendon problem, Memphis Depay is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Matheus Bidu is suspended after receiving his third yellow card, and Allan is unavailable following his red card against Fluminense.

On the other hand, Paulo Pezzolano will have Sergio Rochet returning after international duty with Uruguay and Felix Torres back after representing Ecuador, while Borre and Carbonero are also in contention for starting roles after coming off the bench against Sao Paulo.

Internacional will miss Kayky due to a thigh injury, and Bruno Tabata, who remains under concussion protocol following a head injury. Mercado, Vitor Gabriel, and Bernabei are all one booking away from suspension.

Corinthians probable starting XI:

Souza; Matheuzinho, Paulista, Henrique, Angileri; Bidon, Raniele, Andre; Garro; Lingard, Alberto

Internacional probable starting XI:

Rochet; Torres, Mercado, Gabriel; Gomes, Patrick, Villagra, Paulo, Bahia; Delete, Titmouse

Corinthians have the advantage of playing at home, a factor that can often be crucial in significant matches. Despite their recent winless streak in the Brasileirão, they have shown a solid defensive setup and the capacity to contend in vital games.

Internacional arrives with an inconsistent away record and struggles on the road, while the influence of home fans and Corinthians’ resolve to end their winless streak could lead to a more assertive performance from the hosts, potentially paving the way for a favorable outcome.