Manager Leonardo Jardim leads the final training session before the clash against São Paulo. With key players returning and uncertainty in the midfield, here is Flamengo‘s projected lineup.
Flamengo is entering the final stage of preparations for their decisive match against São Paulo. The game, valid for the Brazilian Serie A, takes place this Sunday (26) at 6:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Maracanã. With the mission to maintain their momentum this season, manager Leonardo Jardim is putting the finishing touches on the squad at the Ninho do Urubu training center.
The manager is using this Saturday’s (25) training session to define the starting 11 that will aim for three points at home. Following the convincing 4-0 victory over Chapecoense last Wednesday (22), optimism within the squad is high, though the coach is preaching caution ahead of the challenge against the São Paulo side.
Projected lineup and selection dilemmas
It is likely that the Mais Querido starting team will see changes in the wide areas. Varela is expected to reclaim the right-back spot, while Alex Sandro returns to his position on the left. In the creative department, however, Jardim is still evaluating his best options.
The projected Flamengo lineup is: Rossi; Varela, Vitão, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho and Lorran (De La Cruz); Lino, Bruno Henrique and Pedro.
“The final training session for Flamengo before the match against São Paulo will take place at 4:00 PM this Saturday. That is where Leonardo Jardim will finalize the starting lineup,” noted the coaching staff. The doubt between Lorran and De La Cruz persists, as the Uruguayan, despite being recovered, continues to be carefully managed by the medical department.
Returns and absentees
Beyond tactical decisions, the Rubro-Negro received good news from the medical staff. Center-back Léo Ortiz is back after a long period treating an injury and is expected to be included in the matchday squad as a bench option.
On the other hand, the club is monitoring forward Plata, who is a doubt due to pain in his right knee. Meanwhile, Carrascal is serving the final game of a suspension imposed by the STJD and remains unavailable for this commitment.
Broadcast and expectations
Looking to consolidate their good form following the World Cup, Mengão wants to capitalize on home-field advantage at the Maracanã. For fans who don’t want to miss a single detail, full coverage is guaranteed.
The match will be broadcast by Coluna do Fla TV, featuring the most dedicated fan-focused commentary on the internet with reporters Rodrigo Lima and Rock Hudson live from the stadium. The match will also be shown via pay-per-view on the Premiere channel.
