The soccer teams of Ponte Preta and Palmeiras begin the first round of the Sao Paulo state finals on Sunday.
During the tournaments regular season, both teams scored 39 goals, sharing the highest amount of goals scored. If the teams keep up their offense-minded strategies, Sunday's matchup promises to be one full of excitement.
Without Leo Lima (injured) and Martinez (serving suspension), the head coach of Palmeiras, Vanderlei Luxemburgo may opt to place Deigo Souza as the second forward to play along side Valdivia.
Denilson may be called in to act as the team's playmaker and be responsible for the direction of the team. For Ponte Preta, due tothe suspension of the team's leading scorer, Renato (8 goals), head coach Sergio Guedes will contemplate using three forwards to attack against the defense of Palmeiras.
Guedes is counting on the element of surprise to combat their opponent. "What we are going to mix are roster up, Palmeiras will have to work hard in order to defend our many options. We have four or five different situations that will be very effective against them," said the coach.
Defensively, the team of Palmeiras only conceded 18 goals in the tournament. Ponte Preta suffered 24. One of the main reasons for Palmeiras' success was the performance of the team's fullback, Pierre. He stated, "I played the whole tournament and needed a rest (since April 13th). The coach decided to keep me on the bench against Sport so that I would be ready for Sunday's game. Ponte Preta has beaten good teams and we will have our hands full, but will be ready."
Source: Xinhua
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