Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana clash between Corinthians and Bragantino, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Corinthians will welcome Bragantino to Neo Quimica Arena on Wednesday for the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 tie.
The hosts hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at Estadio Santa Cruz last week and will be looking to seal their place in the quarter-finals on home soil.
Match preview
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After reaching the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals last year, Corinthians will be aiming to go one step further this time around and lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
Ramon Diaz‘s side topped Group F to seal an automatic spot in the round of 16, conceding just two goals – the joint-fewest of any team in the group stage – while scoring 14.
Impressively, they are yet to concede at home in the competition this season, having scored 11 goals, and they will be hoping to extend this impressive home record on Wednesday.
However, Corinthians have endured a disappointing domestic campaign, currently sitting 16th in the Brasileiro, although they head into this match on a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Historically, Corinthians have a strong record against Bragantino, winning seven of their 14 home matches against the visitors, drawing three and losing four.
They will also be looking to extend their eight-match unbeaten home streak in all competitions, in what will be the first meeting between the two sides at Neo Quimica Arena in a continental competition.
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Bragantino took a different route to the hosts in reaching the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, as they needed a playoff to secure their place in the knockout stage, having finished second in their group.
Pedro Caixinha‘s side overcame the challenge of Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC over two legs, drawing 1-1 away in the first leg before winning 3-2 at home for a 4-3 aggregate victory.
O Massa Bruta do not have a rich history in CONMEBOL competitions, but they came close to lifting the trophy in the 2021 edition of the Copa Sudamericana, only to finish as runners-up.
Currently 11th in Serie A, Bragantino are enduring a difficult season, and this is highlighted by their recent form, with no wins in their last seven matches across all competitions, including five defeats.
With just one victory from four away Copa Sudamericana matches this season, and one defeat and two draws, Wednesday’s visitors must sort their away form to stay in the competition.
Corinthians Copa Sudamericana form:
Corinthians form (all competitions):
Bragantino Copa Sudamericana form:
Bragantino form (all competitions):
Team News
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Corinthians have a number of injury concerns ahead of this match, including midfielder Ruan Oliveira who is out with a cruciate ligament injury and Alex Santana who is struggling with a thigh problem.
Yuri Alberto, who has scored five Copa Sudamericana goals this season, remains sidelined with a stomach issue, alongside Diego Palacios and Raniele, while Angel Romero is doubtful.
Juninho Capixaba and Nathan Camargo are both still unavailable for Bragantino, while Eric Ramires is also out with a calf injury.
Matheus Fernandes, Pedro Henrique, Cleiton and Lucao are all recovering from thigh injuries and will miss this clash.
Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Nogueira; Caca, Torres, Henrique; Matheuzinho, Raniele, Bidu, Charles; Nascimento, Magno; Raul
Bragantino possible starting lineup:
Fabricio; Hurtado, D Mendes, Santos, Candido; Evangelista, Jhonatan, Jadsom; Helinho, Sasha, Mosquera
We say: Corinthians 2-1 Bragantino (Corinthians advances 4-2 on aggregate)
Corinthians may be having an underwhelming domestic season, but they have been solid in the Copa Sudamericana, especially on home soil where they have been perfect.
Bragantino, on the other hand, are on a poor run and will have to take the initiative given that they are trailing in the tie, which is why we think they will be susceptible to fast breaks and lose this clash.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.