Corinthians will take the field against Vitória on Monday at 20h at Neo Química Arena, with the match closing the 31st round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Léo Porto will lead Corinthians from the touchline because Clarence Seedorf still cannot sit on the bench.
The timing matters because this is not just another league game. Corinthians have lost their last eight Campeonato Brasileiro matches, and the club turned to Seedorf after dismissing Fernando Diniz in an effort to avoid relegation, but the coach's Brazilian work visa has not been regularized yet, leaving Porto in charge for now.
For readers looking for the football itself, the broadcast is set: Premiere and sportv will show the match live, while ge will follow every play in real time. Vitória arrive after a loss to São Paulo at Morumbis and sit 13th with 36 points, still trying to solve a problem that has dogged them all season — they are described as the worst away team in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Corinthians also carry absences into the night. Memphis Depay is unavailable after picking up a third yellow card in the Dérbi in the previous round, while Raniele, Zakaria Labyad and Kayke remain out as they recover from knee surgery. The probable lineup points to Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu; Allan, André and Breno Bidon; Rodrigo Garro, Kaio César and Yuri Alberto.
Vitória have their own adjustments. Cacá is suspended, with Brítez expected to step in, and Diego Tarzia is back after serving a suspension. Their probable side includes Lucas Arcanjo; Mateus Silva, Brítez, Luan Cândido and Jamerson; Caíque Gonçalves, Martínez and Matheuzinho; Diego Tarzia, Erick and Renê. Osvaldo is not related, while Kauan, Edu and Camutanga are in transition and Dudu, Nathan Mendes, Gabriel Baralhas, Ramon and Fabiano Souza are in the medical department.
Savio Pereira Sampaio will referee the match, with Bruno Raphael Pires and Maíra Mastella Moreira as assistants and Deborah Cecilia Cruz Correia as fourth official. For Corinthians, the unresolved question is no longer who will handle the team on Monday — that is Porto — but how long Seedorf will remain stuck away from the bench before the paperwork is finally cleared.
