Corinthians can temporarily dig themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory on Thursday versus Athletico Paranaense at Corinthians Arena.
Timao are 18th in the Brasileiro Serie A table, playing to a 2-2 draw with Internacional the last time out, while El Paranaense are just two points above them, losing their previous encounter 1-0 to Botafogo.
Match preview
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It has been a problematic domestic season for Corinthians thus far, as they are currently on a three-match winless run across all competitions.
That slump came after the team from Tatuape had won three successive competitive fixtures without conceding a single goal.
Ramon Diaz has not lost a home match since taking charge, with Corinthians currently on a 10-game home unbeaten run in the Brasileiro Serie A.
In 29 domestic encounters played this year, they have collected a mere 29 points, seven fewer than a year ago when they wound up 13th.
Meanwhile, they have already suffered 12 domestic defeats in 2024, which is equal to their mark from the previous Serie A season.
Coringao are unbeaten in their last 13 home fixtures against El Paranaense in this competition, claiming a 1-0 triumph in this exact fixture last year.
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Game by game, Athletico Paranaense have slid their way down the Serie A table, currently riding a nine-match winless run in the top flight.
As a result, the Curitiba-based club are just two points above the relegation line, though they have played the fewest games in the league this season (27).
Lucho Gonzalez has seen his side score just one goal in their last five domestic contests, while netting the joint third-fewest goals in the league thus far (27).
Paranaense are winless in their last four away matches in this competition, failing to score in their previous two league contests as the visitors.
In 2024, Furacao have failed to hang onto a second-half advantage on five separate occasions, accounting for 11 points dropped.
Team News
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In their previous encounter, Corinthians were missing Ruan Oliveira due to an ACL issue, Diego Palacios was sidelined with a sore knee and Alex Santana sat out because of a problem in his thigh.
Talles Magno is doubtful on Thursday with a thigh injury, while Ryan is not expected to return until early November from an ankle strain.
A brace courtesy of Yuri Alberto had them in position to win their match with Internacional on two occasions, only for Timao to concede an equaliser both times.
El Paranaense could be without Fernandinho once again this week as he is recovering from a muscle injury, which may keep him sidelined for a few more weeks.
Two other players will be unavailable for them in this match, including Kaique Rocha and Madson, who must each serve a yellow card suspension.
Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Souza; Matheuzinho, Henrique, Caca, Bidu; Martinez; Carrillo, Garro, Coronado; Alberto, Depay
Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:
Mycael; Felipinho, Victor, Gamarra; Cuello, Erick, Praxedes, Esquivel; Zapelli, Canobbio; Di Yorio
We say: Corinthians 1-0 Athletico Paranaense
While neither side are in sparkling form, we trust the experienced attacking quality of Corinthians to get them three points in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joel Lefevre
