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

However, Santos have a mountain to climb if they are to overturn a 4-0 deficit from the first leg against Corinthians.

Match preview

Peixe suffered a nightmare defeat in the first leg three weeks ago, with Vinicius Zanocelo's 62nd-minute dismissal compounding his side's misery.

In fairness, Corinthians had already raced into a 3-0 lead at half time, with Giuliano adding to his tally in the second half to ensure his side made full use of their man advantage.

With Marcelo Fernandes recently installed as interim manager for the sixth time in his career, it is unlikely the 51-year-old will give up on the tie as he seeks to be trusted with the job on a full-time basis.

However, despite Fernandes starting his potentially brief reign in a positive manner with a 1-0 win over Atletico Goianiense, it would take a miracle for Santos to find themselves in the quarter-final of this season's Copa do Brasil.

Former Porto and Fenerbahce boss Vitor Pereira's main concern ahead of Thursday's tie will be any potential complacency among his talented Corinthians group of players.

The 53-year-old - who was linked with a move to Everton's vacant managerial position in January - has made a strong impact since joining Timao in February, losing only seven of his 33 matches in charge so far.

Moreover, Corinthians are currently second in Serie A - only a point behind league leaders Palmeiras - and are still in the hunt for a first Copa Libertadores title since 2012.

The Brazilian giants have not won Copa do Brasil since 2009 either, so ensuring his team hold onto their sizeable lead in Thursday's clash against Santos is of the utmost importance.

Santos Copa do Brasil form:

Santos form (all competitions):

Corinthians Copa do Brasil form:

Corinthians form (all competitions):

Team News

To make matters worse for Fernandes, not only is Zanocelo suspended after his red card in the first leg, but the interim boss will also be without four injured players on Thursday.

Ricardo Goulart, Lucas Pires, Sandry and Kevin Malthus are all ruled out, with the weekend's match-winner Lucas Barbosa potentially set to be handed a start up front after making an instant impact from the bench.

Corinthians have a host of injury concerns themselves, with Renato Augusto, Maycon and Luan facing a race against time to be passed fit having suffered knocks.

Given his side's lead, it makes little sense for Pereira to risk any doubtful personnel, with Junior Moraes, Fagner and Ruan Oliveira unlikely to feature either during their road to recovery.

Santos possible starting lineup:

Paulo; Madson, Maicon, Eduardo, Jonatan; Fernandez, Sanchez; Baptistao, Leonardo, Braga; Barbosa

Corinthians possible starting lineup:

Cassio; Ramos, Victor, Gustavo, Piton; Mantuan, Queiroz, Cantillo, Giuliano, Willian; Guedes

We say: Santos 0-0 Corinthians

Given the extent to which this tie already feels concluded, we can envisage a fairly drab affair ensuing on Thursday.

Neither side are likely to wish to exert too much energy ahead of important matches at the weekend, so Corinthians should comfortably progress having already put in the hard yards in the home leg.

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