Santos and Corinthians, two of Brazil's most successful clubs, do battle in Round 10 of the Paulista Championship at the Morumbi stadium on Sunday.
While Santos find themselves in fourth place with 17 points, Corinthians currently lie in eighth place with 14 points. Sao Paulo lead the championship with 19 points and also have a game in hand.
In order for Sao Paulo not to move too far ahead of them, both teams have no choice but to go for the three points.
The clash brings together a number of household names, as while Santos count with the likes of Neymar, Arouca, Marcos Assuncao and Walter Montillo, Corinthians have Alexandre Pato, Paulinho, Ralf and Paulo Guerrero.
Santos coach Muricy Ramalho is currently underfire after a number of disappointing results, and he will surely field his strongest-possible starting eleven on Sunday.
Free-kick specialist Marcos Assuncao will take the place of Rene Junior, who will serve a suspension after receiving a third yellow card last weekend.
Santos' attack will comprise of Neymar, the second highest scorer of the competition with six goals, and 22-year-old striker Andre.
Corinthians boss Tite recently admitted the importance of the derby, however, his main priority is the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians, who beat Millonarios of Colombia 2-0 for the competition midweek, will make their third appearance against Tijuana in Mexico on Wednesday.
To maintain a fresh side for that game, Tite is expected to field a side mixed with starters and reserves against Santos. But despite not having revealed which players will take the field, he has confirmed that either Pato or Guerrero will start.
Emerson, who scored twice as Corinthians beat Boca Juniors to lift the Copa Libertadores for the first time last year, is another attacking alternative.
Santos' last four matches
Feb 24, 2013: Santos 2-1 XV de Piracicaba (Paulista Championship)
Feb 17, 2013: Ponte Preta 3-1 Santos (Paulista Championship)
Feb 10, 2013: Santos 1-3 Paulista (Paulista Championship)
Feb 6, 2013: Linense 2-2 Santos (Paulista Championship)
Corinthians' last four matches
Feb 27, 2013: Corinthians 2-0 Millonarios (Copa Libertadores)
Feb 24, 2013: Bragantino 2-2 Corinthians (Paulista Championship)
Feb 20, 2013: San Jose 1-1 Corinthians (Copa Libertadores)
Feb 17, 2013: Corinthians 2-2 Palmeiras (Paulista Championship)
Facts
- In 189 clashes between the sides for the Paulista Championship, Corinthians have won 78, Santos have won 59 and the remaining 52 games ended in draws.
- Santos are unbeaten in the last three games between the sides for the competition, with two wins and a draw.
