'HE DOMINATED THE GAME AND DEFENDED HIMSELF WITH THE BALL', SAYS SAMPAOLI ABOUT FLAMENGO'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GRÊMIO

Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (31) to face Grêmio, in a match valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. The ball rolls at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel broadcast by Rede Globo on open TV and Premiere, on pay-per-view .

WHERE TO WATCH FLAMENGO X GRÊMIO

Rede Globo will broadcast the game throughout Brazil, with the exception of São Paulo. Gustavo Villani will be the commentator, with commentary by Junior and Roger Flores . The match will also be available on Premiere, ensuring full coverage for subscribers.

FLAMENGO'S SQUADS AND DOUBTS

Flamengo will have most of its squad available for the match. The confirmed absences are full-back Alex Sandro, recovering from a left calf injury, and defensive midfielder Erick Pulgar , who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. Midfielder Jorginho is also doubtful, having missed recent training sessions with the rest of the group.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

With the confirmed absences, the expectation is that Filipe Luís will send onto the field a Flamengo with: Rossi; Varela (Emerson Royal), Léo Ortiz (Danilo), Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Allan (Jorginho), Saúl and Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

CLASSIFICATION IN THE TABLE

Flamengo leads the Brasileirão with 46 points so far . Grêmio sits in 14th place with 24 points. Mengão is also keeping an eye on the Corinthians vs. Palmeiras match, hoping for a stumble for the green-and-whites to further open up a lead at the top of the table.

Grêmio will have to deal with new problems for the match against Flamengo , this Sunday (30), at Maracanã, for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. The list of related players released by the Rio Grande do Sul club confirmed important losses for coach Mano Menezes.

ALYSSON AND AMUZU ARE ABSENT

The team's starting striker, Alysson , suffered a left ankle sprain during training and is out for the match . He joins Amuzu, who is still undergoing treatment for muscle discomfort. With the number 47 absent, Mano Menezes is considering two options for the attack. The most natural choice would be to bring in Argentine Pavon. Another alternative is to use Carlos Vinicius, which would lead to a tactical change, with Braithwaite dropping back to help create plays.

NEW FACE COULD MAKE ITS DEBUT FOR GRÊMIO

Despite the absences, Tricolor could have some new players. Recently signed Peruvian midfielder Erick Noriega was named in the squad for the first time and could make his debut . He participated in training throughout the week and is expected to earn minutes against Flamengo .

Another reinforcement, midfielder Arthur , already registered, was not included in the delegation, as planned by the coaching staff. To make up for the absence of important names, Mano Menezes also called up youngsters Luis Eduardo, Gabriel Mec, and Jardiel , who traveled to Rio de Janeiro.

PROBABLE GRÊMIO LINEUP

Mano Menezes' Grêmio team to face Flamengo is: Tiago Volpi; Marcos Rocha, Wagner Leonardo, Kannemann and Marlon; Dodi, Cuéllar and Edenilson; Pavon (Carlos Vinicius), Cristian Olivera and Braithwaite.

LIST OF RELATED GRÊMIO MEMBERS

• Goalkeepers: Gabriel Grando, Thiago Beltrame and Tiago Volpi
• Full-backs: Lucas Esteves, Marcos Rocha and Marlon
• Defenders: Jemerson, Kannemann, Luis Eduardo, Viery and Wagner Leonardo
• Defensive midfielders: Cuéllar, Dodi, Edenilson and Noriega
• Midfielder: Cristaldo
• Forwards: André Henrique, Aravena, Braithwaite, Carlos Vinicius, Cristian Olivera, Gabriel Mec, Jardiel and Pavon
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Midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who came through the ranks at Flamengo, is close to leaving West Ham to join Aston Villa . The deal between the Premier League clubs could generate £47 million (approximately R$345 million) . According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deal includes a loan with an obligation to buy, as well as additional variables.

The 28-year-old has reportedly already accepted the terms proposed by the Birmingham club. If the transfer is completed, the "Mais Querido" will receive a share of the proceeds, thanks to FIFA's Solidarity Mechanism .

WEIGHT REINFORCEMENT FOR ASTON VILLA

Paquetá 's arrival would mark a new chapter in the midfielder's Premier League career. He would be Aston Villa's fourth signing of this transfer window . The club has already confirmed striker Evann Guessand, defender Yasin Özcan, and goalkeeper Marco Bizot.

Paquetá arrived at West Ham in 2022, signing from Lyon for €43 million. Since then, he has made 123 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists . His biggest highlight was winning the 2023 UEFA Conference League, the Hammers' first continental title.

HOW MUCH WILL FLAMENGO PROFIT FROM THE SALE?

Having nurtured the player in its youth academy, Flamengo is entitled to approximately 4% of the total value of each international transfer involving Paquetá. Based on the £47 million proposal, the Rio de Janeiro club stands to receive approximately £1.88 million (R$13.8 million) at the current exchange rate. Since selling the midfielder to Milan in 2018, Flamengo has already accumulated significant amounts from transfers involving the player.

There were 24.5 million euros (R$ 104 million at the time) in the initial negotiation, another 800 thousand euros (around R$ 5 million) in the move to Lyon, and another R$ 12 million when he transferred to West Ham in 2022. With the possible move to Aston Villa, Paquetá could earn Flamengo, in total, approximately R$ 135 million since leaving the club.