The first fixture of interest for UK fans may well be Desportivo Brazil taking on Criciúma. Although Criciúma are the larger, more traditional side, Desportivo are a team gaining status across the world for their academy run by Carlos Alberto Parreira and the player investment agency, Traffic. The club have a major tie-up with Manchester United and Red Devils fans will be able to see several players for whom their club possesses a first-option to buy, such as Lucas Evangelista, Gladstony, Agnaldo and Aguilar. More info on the arrangement can be found here.
An hour later, Corinthians kick off their campaign against Santos-PB (not the famous Santos!). Left full-back Denner and forward Douglas have been grabbing the headlines, whilst last season’s Under-17 top scorer, Marcos Yuri, and pacy forward Paulinho are worth watching.
Grêmio and Botafogo will also kick-off tomorrow, against Oratório and Americano-MA respectively. Botafogo boast talented goalkeeper Andrey and midfielder Jadson, who have both caught the headlines in the past twelve months, whilst the undisputed star of the Grêmio side is holding midfielder Misael – who starred for the Brazil Under-17 side last summer. Joining him from that World Cup squad is first-choice defender Matheus and substitute Jonathan.
Finally, in the final match of the day, tournament favourites São Paulo make their bow against Palmas. Right full-back Lucas Farias has been the focus of attention over recent months, following the success of fellow Lucas’, Piazon and Moura. However, the one true star of the side is striker Ademilson, whose scoring at all youth levels has been nothing less than prolific and is set to move into the first-team early this year.
Selected Fixtures (All times in GMT):-
- 16.00 Desportivo Brasil x Criciúma
- 17.00 Corinthians x Santos-PB
- 18.00 Grêmio x Oratório
- 19.00 Botafogo x Americano-MA
- 23.00 São Paulo x Palmas
