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Copa Sudamericana: Márcio to field mixed Corinthians team against River [Thu Sep 15th, 2005]
Corinthians midfielder-turned-coach Márcio Bittencourt will rest five of his usual first-choice players in tonight’s Copa Sudamericana first leg game against the Argentinean ‘Millonarios’ at Pacaembu Stadium (21:45 in Brazil).
Central defender Betão, wing-backs Gustavo Nery and Eduardo Ratinho as well as midfielders Roger and Marcelo Mattos will start the game on the Timão bench. “I always say that I work with a squad; I don’t have a determined first eleven, but choose players according to the needs of a particular game or certain adversary†Márcio reminded listeners of rádio Globo.
Apart from voluntary changes in the line-up, Márcio faces some difficulty to compose the Corinthiano attack given Tevez’s suspension, Jô’s nagging injury and ex-Lyon number 9 Nilmar not arriving in time to be listed for the tournament. The only born striker available is the much-criticised Bobô.
Márcio seems confident that any substitutes will rise to the challenge, but hedged his bets by adding that the Copa Sudamericana isn’t a priority. “We’ve got the Brasileirão in our sights for this year. It’s our main target without a shadow of a doubt.†Gutsy midfielder Marcelo Mattos – slated to be benched – disagreed with his coach. “I want to play against River. For me it’s the same as Libertadores.â€
Despite his commendable straining at the leash, Mattos will have to settle for a few minutes in the second half. The likely first eleven will be; Marcelo; Wescley, Sebá and Marcus VinÃcius; Coelho, Bruno Octávio, Hugo, Dinélson and Rosinei; Bobô and Carlos Alberto.
Copa Sudamericana (Brazilians v Argentineans)
Wednesday 14th September
Vélez Sarsfield v Cruzeiro [Buenos Aires]
Fluminense v Banfield [Rio de Janeiro]
Corinthians v River Plate [São Paulo]
Thursday 15th September
Rosario Central v Internacional [Rosario]
Aaron Marcus
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