In a clash that will impact both ends of the table in the Brasileiro, second-placed Flamengo will host 16th-placed Fortaleza at Maracana Stadium on Sunday evening.
Flamengo have 21 points following their 2-0 win against league-leaders Palmeiras, who have 22 points, while the visitors are fifth last with 10 points and are only one point and one place above the relegation zone.
Match preview
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The hosts could have trailed 1-0 against Palmeiras had their opponents netted a 17th-minute penalty, but they scored the opening goal of the game from their own spot kick in the 73rd minute before adding a second three minutes from time.
Flamengo are in outstanding form having avoided defeat in each of their last seven games, achieving victory in five of their past six.
Head coach Filipe Luis will be delighted with his side's performances at both ends of the pitch, with the club's record of 19 goals scored and four conceded in the league making them the division's best offensive and defensive team.
Scarlet and Black have not won the Brasileiro since 2020, but they are currently on track to accumulate 80 points, a tally that would be their highest total since their successful 2020 campaign.
Flamengo will hope that their strong home record continues considering they are unbeaten in seven outings at Maracana Stadium, keeping six clean sheets while winning six times.
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As for Fortaleza, they lost 2-0 against Cruzeiro on May 26, a game in which they failed to create a single big chance whereas the victors produced three.
The visitors were also beaten 1-0 by Racing Club in the Copa Libertadores on Friday, but the loss was of little consequence given they have advanced to the round of 16, as have Sunday's hosts.
Last season, head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda oversaw two matches against Flamengo, drawing 0-0 at home in November 2024 and winning 2-1 at Maracana Stadium in July that year.
Laion come into the weekend's clash having lost each of their last four games, drawing their prior outing, and they conceded seven while failing to score in four of those matches.
Fortaleza are also winless in their seven most recent fixtures on the road, suffering defeats in three games and losing their last two.
Team News
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Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar is a doubt due to a muscle issue, while Nicolas de la Cruz is dealing with a sprained knee, and their potential absences mean Gerson and Allan are candidates to start in the middle of the pitch.
Wesley and Alex Sandro could play either side of centre-backs Leo Ortiz and Leo Pereira given full-back Matias Vina is unlikely to be risked as he was absent for a lengthy period due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Winger Gonzalo Plata has also been ruled out, though he is set to return in early June, but since he will miss Sunday's game fans can expect to see striker Pedro supported by Luiz Araujo, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Michael.
Meanwhile, Fortaleza midfielder Pedro Augusto is suspended as a result of receiving a red card against Cruzeiro, and Lucas Sasha and Bruninho will join him on the sidelines.
Matheus Rossetto and Ze Welison are the most likely candidates to be stationed ahead of centre-backs Benjamin Kuscevic and David Luiz.
Forward Moises Vieira is dealing with a thigh issue, and his injury may lead to the selection of Marinho, Tomas Pochettino, Breno Lopes and Juan Martin Lucero.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Wesley, Ortiz, Pereira, Sandro; Gerson, Allan; Araujo, Arrascaeta, Michael; Pedro
Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Britez, Kuscevic, Luiz, Pacheco; Rossetto, Welison; Marinho, Pochettino, Lopes; Lucero
We say: Flamengo 2-0 Fortaleza
Fortaleza are in poor form and should not be expected to leave Maracana Stadium with any points.
Flamengo have been excellent in the final third and at the back, so boss Luis should be confident that his side can create numerous chances while limiting Fortaleza's forwards to few opportunities.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
