One out, one major return: check out the Flamengo lineup to take on São Paulo!
Flamengo is gearing up for a crucial clash against São Paulo this Sunday at 6:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Maracanã. The match, valid for the 20th round of the Brazilian Serie A, is a golden opportunity for the team led by Leonardo Jardim to close the 7-point gap behind the league leaders, Palmeiras. To do so, the Rubro-Negro will feature significant changes in their starting lineup as they finalize their strategy to secure a victory at all costs.
Plata is out, but De la Cruz returns as an option
The Flamengo attack will suffer a significant blow. Forward Plata, a key piece in the tactical setup, is unlikely to be available for the match. The Ecuadorian player, who left the game against Chapecoense in the first half, is dealing with tendinitis in his right knee and has yet to return to on-field training. Plata‘s absence opens the door for options such as Lorran and Cebolinha, while there is encouraging news for the fans with De la Cruz returning to the squad list following the World Cup. Luiz Araújo remains in the medical department.
Defense gets a boost with Léo Ortiz, but Alex Sandro may start at fullback
The Flamengo defense gets a major boost with the recovery of Léo Ortiz. The defender has recovered from a right thigh injury, but due to a lack of match fitness, he is expected to start on the bench. The team will also be without Carrascal, who is serving the final match of a suspension imposed by the STJD. At left-back, Ayrton Lucas‘ recent poor form could open the door for Alex Sandro to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven.
The Rubro-Negro squad has one goal in mind: closing the gap at the top of the table. The probable lineup for the match against São Paulo is: Rossi; Royal (Varela), Vitão (Danilo), Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho and Samuel Lino; Lorran (De la Cruz), Bruno Henrique and Pedro. Head coach Leonardo Jardim will lead the final training session this Saturday at Ninho do Urubu to finalize the last details before the showdown. The fans’ passion will be the extra fuel needed to hunt for another three points on the road to the Brazilian Serie A title.
