Brazilian State Championships: Campeonato Paulista, Gaucho, Mineiro All Up For Grabs

The start of the Brasileiro is a week away, meaning that this weekend sees the State leagues wrap up. Flamengo have captured the 2011 Campeonato Carioca without the need for a final by winning both Tacas, but Brazil's other three major state championships are still up for grabs. Santos FC and Corinthians contest the final of the Campeonato Paulista, Internacional and Gremio face off in the final of the Campeonato Gaucho, and Cruzeiro takes on Atletico Mineiro for the Campeonato Mineiro title.

Campeonato Paulista

Corinthians vs. Santos FC

Sunday, 3 pm ET

The first leg of this tie ended 0-0 last week, leaving both teams with everything to play for on Sunday. Santos have been dealt a blow with the injury to Paulo Henrique Ganso, but Alan Patrick looked like a great replacement mid-week in Copa Libertadores. Corinthians are a team in a bit of turmoil when it comes to player movement, but they're still a very talented side with a great chance to defeat Santos. Watch out for attacking midfielder Bruno Cesario, who has scored in buckets for Corinthians.

Campeonato Gaucho

Internacional vs. Gremio

Sunday, 3 pm ET

Both Internacional and Gremio won a Taca in the Gaucho state championship, creating the need for a final. Gremio won the first leg 3-2 and has to feel optimistic going into the second leg. Both teams were recently knocked out of Copa Libertadores in surprising fashion, so a state championship win would be a great morale boost for either team heading into the Brasileiro. Andres D'Alessandro pulls the strings for Inter, and he'll likely have a few battles with Fabio Rochemback, who bosses the midfield for Gremio.

Campeonato Mineiro

Cruzeiro vs. Atletico Mineiro

Sunday, 3 pm ET

Cruzeiro were running riot through the Mineiro state championship and the Copa Libertadores, but it's been a rough couple of weeks for A Raposa. First, they were unexpectedly bounced out of Copa by Once Caldas, then they lost the first leg of this tie 2-1 to their biggest rivas, Atletico Mineiro. If they don't get a win on Sunday, they might feel like they're going into free fall mode. They're heavy favorites, but after what happened to them against Once Caldas, it might not be a smart move to bet on Cruzeiro.