By Gustavo Castilho
Paulistas play for a draw, since they got the better in the first duel of the decision
The last competition for the 2020 calendar ends today. Soon, at 18h, at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo, Palmeiras and Grêmio play the second game of the final of the Brazil 2020 Cup. Last week, in Porto Alegre, Verdão won and won 1-0, with goal by defender Gustavo Gómez. In today’s match, Palmeiras play for a draw to get the tetra, and if they lose by a goal difference the decision will go to penalties. Grêmio must win by two or more goals to lift the sixth championship and match Cruzeiro as the team that most won the Copa do Brasil.
Palmeiras should repeat the same team that won the gauchos at the Arena. The only change will take place in the defensive sector, as Luan is suspended after being sent off in the last game, when he elbowed Diego Souza. Alan Empereur should be the replacement. On the other hand, Patrick de Paula, recovered from Covid-19, is available to coach Abel Ferreira. Along with Luan, Breno Lopes (cannot play the Brazil Cup for Palmeiras) and Luan Silva (recovery from knee surgery), are also absent. Palmeiras tries to close the season with three titles, something that has not occurred in the club since 1993.
The defeat of the reserve team over Brasil de Pelotas, last Wednesday, brought Renato Gaúcho the possibility of changes in the starting lineup, since Grêmio has been suffering criticism from the fans for the bad football presented recently. Vanderson has a chance to win Victor Ferraz’s spot on the right side. Ferreira can be cast in place of Alisson. Lucas Silva and Thaciano are options to occupy the midfield in place of Jean Pyerre. The right absences are: Pedro Geromel and Leonardo (injured) Pinares and Luiz Fernando (not registered in the Copa do Brasil).
