Flamengo and Fluminense make the most anticipated classic of this Carioca Championship. This Sunday (25th), at 4pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, the teams will face each other for the top spot in the competition.
With two rounds left in the tournament, the two have 21 points and are undefeated in the competition after nine games. The draw is more interesting for Fla, which leads on goal difference.
For Fluminense, the idea is to break an uncomfortable drought in classics: there are already nine matches without beating their main rivals. The last victory was against Fla, in last year’s Carioca final, 4-1.
Return in Flamengo’s midfield
For Fla-Flu, Tite will count on the return of Erick Pulgar, who was absent in the last two rounds of the State Championship due to a suspension and his feverish condition last week. The Chilean replaces Igor Jesus, who took advantage of his opportunities and gained points with the coaching staff.
Fabrício Bruno, preserved in the game against Boavista, also returns to the starting lineup. On the other hand, Gerson, with a kidney infection, remains under the care of the medical department.
Flamengo’s likely lineup has Rossi; Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, De La Cruz and Arrascaeta; Everton Cebolinha, Luiz Araújo and Pedro.
Without Marcelo and with some spared
Fluminense, in turn, should save some players with an eye on the duel against LDU, from Ecuador, on Thursday (29), for the second leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana final. On the other hand, Fernando Diniz will have the return of John Kennedy.
Certain embezzlement is Marcelo. The left-back felt pain in his hamstring in the duel in Quito and must undergo treatment for the big decision. Veterans Felipe Melo, Ganso, Keno and Cano could also be left out.
A likely Fluminense is: Fábio; Guga, Antônio Carlos, Marlon and Diogo Barbosa; André, Martinelli and Renato Augusto; Douglas Costa, Arias and John Kennedy.
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This content was originally created in Itatiaia.
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