Flamengo manager explains "caravan" of employees for Brazil Cup decision

Internacional and Flamengo face each other this Sunday (17), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. The duel will be held at the Beira-Rio Stadium, in Porto Alegre, and should mark changes in the Gaucho team , which will have to deal with absences and the possibility of saving players with a view to the rest of the season.

Internacional's likely lineup includes Rochet; Alan Benítez, Clayton Sampaio, Victor Gabriel, and Bernabei; Luis Otávio, Bruno Henrique, Gustavo Prado, and Vitinho; Borré and Valencia . This is the foundation outlined by coach Roger Machado, who has been adjusting the team to balance the competitions it competes in.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

Colorado will have six definite absences for the match against Flamengo . Tabata is serving a suspension, while Carbonero (left thigh injury), Mercado (right calf injury), Ivan (left knee arthroscopy), Bruno Gomes (left knee surgery) and Lucca Drummond (right knee surgery) remain under medical treatment.

Furthermore, with the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 second leg in mind, some starters could be rested. If Mathias is rested, Enner Valencia could regain his place after two games without playing. Vitinho and Borré are also considered options to form the Colorado attack.

TEAMS' SITUATION IN THE TABLE

In the Brasileirão standings, Flamengo leads the way with 40 points from 18 rounds, with 12 wins , four draws, and only two losses. Internacional sits in 12th place with six wins, six draws, and six losses, trying to get closer to qualifying for continental competitions.

This Sunday (17), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio for the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. The Mais Querido has 40 points in 17 games and leads the competition.

The Brasileirão clash takes place between the two decisive duels of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. In the first leg, at Maracanã, Mengão won 1-0. The return leg will be played next Wednesday (20), also at Beira-Rio, at 9:30 pm. The winner will face Cerro Porteño-PAR or Estudiantes-ARG in the quarterfinals.

WHO IS MISSING FLAMENGO'S TEAM?

Coach Filipe Luís will have to deal with injuries and possible returns for the match. Erick Pulgar remains out after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and is a confirmed absence.

De La Cruz has returned to the squad, as he no longer has any pain in his left knee, as has defender Danilo. Emerson Royal, who suffered a sprained ankle with a slight strain , may not play.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Flamengo 's likely lineup for this Sunday includes: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Allan (Evertton Araújo), Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Internacional should take to the field with: Rochet; Alan Benítez, Clayton Sampaio, Victor Gabriel and Bernabei; Luis Otávio, Bruno Henrique, Gustavo Prado and Vitinho; Borré and Valencia.

This Sunday (17), at Beira-Rio, Flamengo faces Internacional in the 20th round of Série A. The ball rolls at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), in a clash that pits teams at different moments in the table against each other. Mengão seeks to maintain the lead, while Colorado tries to get closer to the G-6.

With 40 points from 17 matches, Flamengo heads into this round in first place. Cruzeiro, with 37 points from 19 games, is the only team that can match the red-and-black team's tally this weekend. Internacional, meanwhile, sits in 11th place with 24 points and is looking to bounce back.

WHERE TO WATCH AND TIME

The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere , Grupo Globo's pay-per-view service, available with a monthly or annual subscription. The match, which marks the first leg of the Brasileirão 's second half, will be played at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

INTERNATIONAL: Rochet; Benítez, Vitão (Clayton Sampaio), Victor Gabriel (Juninho) and Bernabei; Richard, Alan Rodríguez (Bruno Henrique), Vitinho, Bruno Tabata and Gustavo Prado; Borré (Ricardo Mathias). Coach: Roger Machado

FLAMENGO: Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz (Danilo), Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Allan, Saul, Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Everton Cebolinha, Luiz Araujo and Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luis