Preview: Juventude vs. Corinthians - prediction, team news, lineups

Juventude will look to extend their stay in the Brasileiro on Friday when they face off against Corinthians at the Estadio Alfredo Jaconi.

Meanwhile, the away side set out to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat on the road and round off what has been a relatively decent campaign in style.

Match preview

Corinthians were denied a ninth consecutive win on home turf following a 1-1 draw versus Gremio at the Neo Quimica Arena on Tuesday.

Sylvinho's men fell behind to Diego Souza's 39th-minute opener before rescuing a point courtesy of a late Renato Augusto equaliser.

With 57 points from 37 games, the Todo Poderoso are fourth in the league table and need just a point to fend off the threat of nearest challengers Fortaleza.

Awaiting them next is a tie versus an opposing side who have failed to win any of the last seven meetings between the teams since 2006.

Juventude suffered a second straight league defeat on Monday as a result of a 3-1 loss at the hands of Sao Paulo.

A Luciano brace either side of Jonathan Calleri's strike condemned Jair Ventura's men to a 14th league defeat of the campaign.

O Azul are currently in the relegation zone, albeit only on goal difference, and anything less than a victory could spell the end of their top-flight campaign.

Friday's hosts, who have picked up 30 of their 43 points so far on home turf, will be keen to put on a display for their fans in what is arguably their most important game of the season.

Team News

Juventude's Marcelo Carne is set to miss an eighth consecutive game as he continues to battle with a muscle injury.

Also missing for the home side is 31-year-old Elton, who remains sidelined through a damaged knee.

Colombian midfielder Victor Cantillo is away on international duty and will not play any part for Corinthians.

Oliveira Ruan is yet to feature since July due to a long-term leg injury which has kept him out of action.

Juventude possible starting lineup:
Schuck; Matheus, Forster, Mendes, Michel; Guilherme, Chico, Dawhan, Jadson; Vinicios, Bueno

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Queiroz, Victor, Gil, Santos; Xavier, Augusto, Giuliano; Jo, Willian, Guedes

We say: Juventude 2-1 Corinthians

We expect Juventude to be up for it right from the first whistle as they seek to preserve their top-flight status against a Corinthians side who have little to play for. Nonetheless, we expect an open and end-to-end affair with the hosts narrowly edging out their visitors.

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