Seeking their second home win in the Brazilian Championship, coach Caio Júnior expects a hard-fought match against Internacional. According to the red-and-black coach, the Rio Grande do Sul team is very strong physically.

- "We have to recognize that Internacional is a very strong team. They have a good squad, and they won't feel the absences. Furthermore, the team is very strong physically and can have problems with aerial balls."

Due to the injuries of Ibson and Kleberson, Caio Júnior confirmed Cristian and Diego Tardelli in the starting lineup.

- "Ibson and Kleberson are ruled out by the medical department. The team should be the same as in this afternoon's training session, since we don't have much time until Saturday. In the game against Grêmio, I thought there was a lack of connection between the midfield and attack. With Marcinho playing this role, we have everything we need to improve our attacking power," said the coach, who is expected to field Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Toró and Marcinho; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Caio Júnior took the opportunity to praise midfielder Cristian.

- "Cristian has been training very well. He's a very consistent player on the field, with a very dynamic style of play. We'll see how he performs in the game, but I'm confident he'll put in a great performance."