Starting with Bahia, who will have no easy task against Gaúcho side Caxias, players to look out for include attacking midfielder Paulinho and goalkeeper Renan, both of whom are building fine reputations for themselves in Brazil’s North-East.
At 6pm UK time, it is the turn of Vasco, who will take on São Francisco from the state of Pará. The Carioca side have spoken in recent days of their title ambitions and will look to put down a marker, after inconsistent results in the build-up. The undoubted star of the show is Brazil Under-17’s midfielder Guilherme, who will need to fire for Vasco to succeed.
Later in the evening, it is the turn of Santos and the €50 million man, Victor Andrade. The striker will lead the attack against minnows Vítoria, as Santos set about implementing a new attacking philosophy throughout their youth teams, following their humbling against Barcelona. Goalkeeper Guido and striker Diego Cardozo played for the national side last year, although the forward will not start today’s encounter. Watch out for Leandrinho, Pedro Castro and Bruno Lamas in midfield – all of whom are receiving a lot of attention.
As with Santos, Fluminense‘s youngsters have the incentive of a possible call-up to play in the State Championships this season, whilst the first-team challenge in the Libertadores. Striker and top-scorer in the Brasileirão Under-20 competition Marcos Júnior will be at the focal-point of most of the Tricolor’s attacking play, midfielder Eduardo is charged with providing the creativity, whilst many will be watching full-back Igor Julião as a possible candidate for first-team football this campaign.
Key Fixtures (times in GMT):
16.00 Bahia x Caxias
18.00 América-MG x Avaí
18.00 Vasco x São Francisco
21.00 Santos x Vitória de Santo Antão
23.00 Fluminense x Ji-Paraná
