Four games complete 18th round of Brazilian Serie A

Four matches will be played on Thursday to complete the 18th round of the Brazilian Serie A soccer league:

GREMIO x AMERICA NATAL
Gremio can't afford anything but a win at home against last place America Natal if it hopes to remain in the race for this season's title. With Goias win over Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday, not even the win will bring Gremio back to the top four in the standings after this game. But having lost its last home game 2-0 to Sao Paulo, and the previous one to Figueirense on the road, Gremio has no other option but get the three points here. America, on the other hand, seems destined to the Serie B in 2008. The team was simply embarrassed in its last game, a 5-1 loss to Nautico at home. Midfielder Eduardo Costa and forward Marcel may debut for Gremio, but both are still not in top physical shape and may start on the bench. Colombian Bustos will play on the right-back position, while Anderson Pico returns as left-back after a one-game suspension. Carlos Eduardo also returns to the team up front. America will try a more defensive approach after its last embarrassing loss, with only Paulo Isidoro as a forward. Defender Edson Borges is out, injured. Rogelio may lose his place to Robson, and Eduardo will be substituted by Reinaldo as right-back. Left-back Adriano will replace Marcio Goiano and even goalkeeper Rene lost his place, with Gleguer joining the team.

VASCO x CORINTHIANS
Vasco lost a great chance in its last home game, wasting two precious points in a 2-2 draw with Figueirense. Meanwhile, Corinthians ended a 10-game winless streak by beating Goias at home, 1-0. For this game, Vasco is still the clear favorite, but the team must pay extra attention if it doesn't want to be surprised at home again. Rubens Junior is suspended for Vasco, while captain Jorge Luiz returns from suspension on defense. Left-back Gustavo Nery may make his debut on his return to Corinthians. The team is also still under pressure outside the pitch, as president Alberto Dualib and his vice-president Nesi Curi were removed from their positions through a council vote earlier this week.

PALMEIRAS x INTERNACIONAL
Palmeiras is coming off a good 1-0 away win over Fluminense on the weekend, but the team is somewhat afraid of playing at home now, especially after losing 2-1 to Sport a week ago. To make matters worse, the team will now face the always dangerous Internacional side, itself trying to regain some ground after losing its last two games, to Vasco at home and Cruzeiro on the road. Midfielder Pierre is out for the locals, suspended. Coach Gallo will try several changes to take Inter back to its winning ways. From a 4-4-2 formation he will likely change to a 3-5-2. Mineiro joins the defense, while Jonas and Alex replace Magal and Rubens Cardoso on the wings. Pinga is probably not going to play due to an injury, but Edinho returns to midfield for this game. Adriano will join Iarley in the attack, while Christian will probably start from the bench.

SANTOS x PARANA
Santos is the favorite for this game at the Vila Belmiro, but Parana can always be a dangerous opponent. Santos has a one-point advantage over the visitors in the standings. The locals seem to have recovered from the 2-1 home loss to Nautico three games ago, having beaten Atletico Mineiro 2-1 on the road and Flamengo 3-0 at home since then. Parana is coming off a scoreless draw at home against former leaders Botafogo, after dropping two straight - to Atletico Mineiro at home and Goias on the road. Right-back Baiano and midfielder Petkovic are cleared to make their debut. Baiano will likely start replacing Alessandro, who is injured, while Petkovic may begin on the bench since he's not fully fit yet. Left-back Carlinhos and midfielder Rodrigo Souto return from suspension. Captain Beto returns to Parana, after being suspended for the game against Botafogo.