Athletico Paranaense are expected to make significant changes in both defence and attack for Wednesday’s Brasileirão clash with Vasco at the Arena da Baixada, the 34th round fixture. Coach Odair Hellmann looks set to strengthen his back three with Dantas, while Colombian Kerwin Vargas is tipped to take over from Leozinho up front.
Defensive reshuffle
Dantas’ inclusion would give the back line more height, a change Athletico hope will help them deal with the set-piece problems that have troubled them. Argentine Esquivel is expected to move to left-back, with Mendoza, who has been playing as a winger on that flank, switching to attack alongside Viveros and Vargas.
Midfield and possible line-up
João Cruz is likely to start on the bench to allow room for the extra defender. That would leave Jadson, back from suspension, partnering Luiz Gustavo in midfield. The report, which first appeared on the Trétis channel, suggests a probable starting XI of Mycael; Dantas, Aguirre and Arthur Dias; Gilberto Moraes (Benavídez), Luiz Gustavo, Jadson and Esquivel; Vargas (Leozinho), Viveros and Mendoza.
Struggling without a win
Athletico have been leaking goals, particularly from opponents’ dead-ball situations. They have conceded eight goals in their last five matches and have not won in three Brasileirão games. They have also picked up just one victory in their last five rounds, a run that has pushed them out of the top four. They now sit fifth with 54 points, behind Fluminense only on goals scored.
The match against Vasco kicks off at 19:30 on Wednesday.
Source: ge.globo.com
