Brasileirão Preview 2012

Atlético Goianiense
Manager: Adilson Batista
Transfers In: Fernando Bob (Fluminense), Elias (Figueirense), William (Avaí)
Transfers Out: Thiago Feltri (Vasco), Vitor Junior (Corinthians), Anderson (Fluminense)
Last Position: 13th
Prediction: Relegation threatened
Comment: Atlético suffered as a result of their above expectation finish last campaign, losing some key players over the summer break. They have picked up some proven Série A players in the form of Elias and William, but it will be the lesser known defensive reinforcements that could determine their fate. Showed impressive attacking form in the state championships, but lost in the final to rivals Goias. Expect more arrivals in the days to come.

Atlético Mineiro
Manager: Cuca
Transfers In: Rafael Marques (Grêmio), Leandro Donizete (Coritiba), Danilinho (Tigres)
Transfers Out: Magno Alves (Umm-Salal), Daniel Carvalho (Palmeiras), Toró (Figueirense)
Last Position: 15th
Prediction: Mid-table safety
Comment: Atlético Mineiro should arrive into the Brasileirão campaign full of confidence, having proceeded through the Minas Gerais state championship unbeaten to clinch the title. There are some outstanding individuals in the side, with Rever and Guilherme leading the way, but Guilherme and André in particular will need to prove they can score consistently at national level once more if Galo are to finish in the top-half.

Bahia
Manager: Falcão
Transfers In: Ciro (Fluminense), Gerley (Palmeiras), Gutiérrez (Oriente Petrolero)
Transfers Out: Paulo Miranda (São Paulo), Tiago (Grêmio Barueri),
Last Position: 14th
Prediction: Mid-table safety
Comment: The team has kept a few of their last year’s best players, such as high rated full-back Ávine and midfielder Lulinha, as well as signing Fluminense’s striker Ciro, who shone in the past at Sport. However, they also lost defender Paulo Miranda to São Paulo. Manager Falcão brought new ideas to the team, playing a more attacking style than generally observed in Brazil, but anything better than a mid-table position is unlikely to happen.

Botafogo
Manager: Oswaldo de Oliveira
Transfers In: Andrezinho (Internacional), Fellype Gabriel (Antlers), Vítor Júnior (Corinthians)
Transfers Out: Caio (Figueirense), Cortez (São Paulo)
Last Position: 9th
Prediction: Libertadores hopefuls
Comment: Botafogo had a superb start of season, remaining unbeaten for 23 games until they lost to Fluminense in the Carioca final and got eliminated in Copa do Brasil. The midfield, with Renato, Elkeson, Maicosuel, Andrezinho and Fellype Gabriel is pretty strong and could become even stronger if Clarence Seedorf arrives, but the squad lacks depth in other areas. The team are well-organized though and once they recover from their last week’s defeat, should be in good position to fight for big things.

Corinthians
Manager: Tite
Transfers In: Douglas (Grêmio), Cássio (PSV Eindhoven), Elton (Vasco)
Transfers Out: Adriano (released), Morais (Bahia), Vitor Junior (Botafogo)
Last Position: 1st
Prediction: Title challengers
Comment: Corinthians will be looking for more of the same this season, following an efficient title winning campaign last time out. Far from the most entertaining side, Corinthians are a real unit and have a work-ethic that many rivals sadly lack. Much of Corinthians' season will depend on creative lynchpin Alex hitting form, otherwise there may be a distinct lack of invention against stubborn defences.

Coritiba
Manager: Marcelo Oliveira
Transfers In: Chico (Palmeiras), Keirrison (Barcelona), Lincoln (Palmeiras)
Transfers Out: Bill (Corinthians), Davi (Guangzhou R & F), Jeci (Frontale)
Last Position: 8th
Prediction: Mid-table safety
Comment: Marcelo Oliveira, although relatively unknown, has been a very successful manager at Coritiba, leading them to the Copa do Brasil final last year and to the state league title this year. His team, while not particularly strong, is well set-up and have some talented key players such as defender Emerson. Keirrison might turn out to be a secret weapon if he recovers his old form.

Cruzeiro
Manager: Celso Roth
Transfers In: Alex Silva (Flamengo), Walter (Porto), Diego Arias (PAOK)
Transfers Out: Fabrício (São Paulo), Marquinhos Paraná (Sport), Naldo (Grêmio)
Last Position: 16th
Prediction: Mid-table safety
Comment: Cruzeiro have, in the past week, replaced their manager, with journeyman Celso Roth taking over to improve upon some dismal state championship and Copa do Brasil performances. Cruzeiro have good options up-front, whilst Walter Montillo is a shining light in attacking midfield, but the rest of the side leaves much to be desired. The recent additions of Alex Silva and Tinga add experience and quality, however more signings may be needed.

Figueirense
Manager: Argel Fucks
Transfers In: Caio (Botafogo), Canuto (Libertad), Saldivar (Independiente)
Transfers Out: Juninho (Palmeiras), Bruno (Fluminense), Maicon (São Paulo)
Last Position: 7th
Prediction: Relegation threatened
Comment: Jorginho performed miracles with his Figueirense side last season to guide them to seventh in the Brasileirão. However, success came at a price, as the stars of the 2011 vintage were picked off at will by bigger sides, whilst Jorginho left for Japan. Argel Fucks has taken over as manager only this week after a catastrophic state championship final saw Branco sacked. A squad in serious need of late additions to add the necessary quality to survive.

Flamengo
Manager: Joel Santana
Transfers In: Ibson (Santos), Vágner Love (CSKA Moscow), Wellington (Resende)
Transfers Out: Alex Silva (Cruzeiro), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Willians (Udinese)
Last Position: 4th
Prediction: Libertadores hopefuls
Comment: The signing of Vágner Love earlier this year outshone the departure of Thiago Neves, and gave hope the season could be good for the Rubro-Negro. Reality quickly challenged that though, as Ronaldinho's consistently below-par performances contributed to the team failing to go far in Libertadores and the state league. The recent signing of Ibson is expected to improve the midfield, but the team are still in desperate need of a playmaker.

Fluminense
Manager: Abel Braga
Transfers In: Bruno (Figueirense), Thiago Neves (Flamengo), Wagner (Gaziantepspor)
Transfers Out: Araújo (Náutico), Mariano (Bordeaux), Marquinho (Roma), Souza (Cruzeiro)
Last Position: 3rd
Prediction: Title challengers
Comment: The team rely heavily on Deco and Fred, both of which are among the best players in their positions in Brazil. Lack of consistency, though, is a serious problem, with the team having produced some amazing performances, especially in big games, while often also lacking focus in other games. Watch for young forward Wellington Nem, who has started 2012 in fine form.

Grêmio
Manager: Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Transfers In: Kléber (Palmeiras), Marcelo Moreno (Shakhtar Donetsk), Souza (FC Porto)
Transfers Out: Fábio Rochemback (Dalian Aerbin), Douglas (Corinthians), Brandão (Marseille)
Last Position: 12th
Prediction: Libertadores hopefuls
Comment: Grêmio are very much a wildcard this season, with a hugely talented team yet to fully settle after a summer of upheaval. If Vanderlei Luxemburgo can unite the squad, they could be as good as any side in the league, but there is potential for disaster. The loss of Kléber through injury is a big blow, but the recent sale of Mario Fernandes provides financing for more reinforcements.

Internacional
Manager: Dorival Júnior
Transfers In: Dagoberto (São Paulo), Dátolo (Espanyol), Jajá (Al Ahli)
Transfers Out: Andrezinho (Botafogo), Tinga (Cruzeiro), Lauro (Ponte Preta)
Last Position: 5th
Prediction: Libertadores hopefuls
Comment: Colorado fans will consider themselves title-challengers, but despite possessing some of the league's shining lights in attack, the Internacional defence inspires little confidence. Inter did well to keep hold of the influential D'Alessandro, whilst with Oscar and Datolo alongside the Argentine in midfield, Leandro Damião should never be short of ammunition. It is just the defence that severely lets down a very impressive side in attacking areas.

Náutico
Manager: Gallo
Transfers In: Márcio Rozário (Fluminense), Martinez (Cerezo), Rodrigo Tiuí (Terek)
Transfers Out: Kieza (Al-Shabab-UAE)
Last Position: 2nd in Série B
Prediction: Relegation threatened
Comment: Náutico’s squad lack both depth and quality, and the team failed to reach the state league finals, so the outlook for the Brasileirão is not very good. Elicarlos is one of the key players, but will probably not be enough to prevent a return to Série B unless some of the additions being touted arrive in the coming weeks. Need to replace last season's Serie B top-scorer Kieza.

Palmeiras
Manager: Luis Felipe Scolari
Transfers In: Hernan Barcos (LDU Quito), Wesley (Werder Bremen), Juninho (Figueirense)
Transfers Out: Gabriel Silva (Granada), Marcos (Retired), Kléber (Grêmio)
Last Position: 11th
Prediction: Mid-table safety
Comment: Palmeiras enjoyed a mixed 2011 Brasileirão campaign, with a shockingly poor second-half to the season meaning Felipão's job was teetering on the edge. New target-man Barcos should get goals, whilst forward Mazinho, midfielder Wesley and full-back Juninho should be good additions. Glaring weaknesses remain in a side overly reliant on veteran Marcos Assunção.

Ponte Preta
Manager: Gilson Kleina
Transfers In: André Luís (Boavista-RJ), Baraka (Mogi Mirim), Tony (Boavista-RJ)
Transfers Out: Renato Cajá (to be decided)
Last Position: 3rd in Série B
Prediction: Relegation threatened
Comment: Ponte Preta reached the semi-finals of the Paulistão and nearly eliminated São Paulo in Copa do Brasil already this season, but as with other promoted teams, the squad lack depth and without Renato Cajá, the team will lack a focus point in midfield. This week has seen yet more players leave the club who will need replacing.

Portuguesa
Manager: Geninho
Transfers In: Ricardo Jesus (Ponte Preta)
Transfers Out: Edno (Tigres), Marco Antônio (Grêmio)
Last Position: 1st in Série B
Prediction: Relegation threatened
Comment: Portuguesa won Série B last year with ease, earning the nickname ‘Barcelusa’ for their flowing football, but the performances dropped considerably in the Paulistão this year, as the team were relegated to the state league second division. Few reinforcements on the horizon spells trouble for the Paulista side.

Santos
Manager: Muricy Ramalho
Transfers In: Jorge Fucile (Porto), Bernardo (Vasco), Juan (São Paulo)
Transfers Out: Danilo (Porto), Rodrigo Possebon (Vicenza), Ibson (Flamengo)
Last Position: 10th
Prediction: Title challengers
Comment: Santos didn't take the Brasileirão seriously last campaign, having already won the Copa Libertadores early in the season. But, the approach didn't work, as they arrived at the World Club Cup in December undercooked. The Peixe squad is much deeper now, with quality players arriving to strengthen an impressive first-team. Real challengers if they both commit to the competition and cope without stars Neymar, Ganso and Rafael during the Olympic Games.

São Paulo
Manager: Emerson Leão
Transfers In: Jadson (Shakhtar Donetsk), Bruno Cortez (Botafogo), Paulo Miranda (São Paulo)
Transfers Out: Dagoberto (Internacional), Xandão (Sporting), Henrique (Granada)
Last Position: 6th
Prediction: Title challengers
Comment: On paper, São Paulo have one of the strongest first-teams and one of the deepest squads in the league, but it has not quite clicked for them so far in 2012. In attack, Lucas Moura, Luis Fabiano and Willian Jose promise goals, whilst they have an impressive collection of midfield assets. Defensively though, they have been very shaky. Coping with international call-ups once more key to their hopes.

Sport Recife
Manager: Vágner Mancini
Transfers In: Bruno Aguiar (Santos), Edcarlos (Grêmio), Julinho (Vasco), Rivaldo (Palmeiras)
Transfers Out: Marcelinho Paraíba (Grêmio Barueri), Robston (Atlético PR),
Last Position: 4th in Série B
Prediction: Relegation threatened
Comment: Sport have a fairly solid team by promoted teams' standards, with experienced goalkeeper Magrão, defenders Bruno Aguiar and Edcarlos, former Palmeiras player Rivaldo in midfield and Willians and Felipe Azevedo upfront forming a solid spine. Vágner Mancini assumed the team shortly before the start of the Brasileirão, so it’s likely it will take a while for Sport to get used to him. Linked with some ambitious moves for attacking players in the days to come.

Vasco
Manager: Cristóvao Borges
Transfers In: Abelairas (free agent), Rodolfo (Lokomotiv Moscow), Tenorio (Al-Nasr-UAE)
Transfers Out: Julinho (Sport), Victor Ramos (Vitória)
Last Position: 2nd
Prediction: Libertadores hopefuls
Comment: Felipe and Juninho Pernambuco are the team’s most talented midfielders, but their age prevents them from playing as often as it would be desirable. They have in Fernando Prass a generally reliable goalkeeper, and Dedé, the best centre-back currently playing in Brazil. Would be a surprise if they can repeat last year's title-challenge.

Produced in partnership with Paulo Freitas (@cynegeticus) from the O Jogo Bonito site.