Flamengo has important returns in the likely lineup against Ceará

Flamengo continues to work with full focus on the decisive clash against Atlético-MG , valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel is scheduled for this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Arena MRV . After the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Mais Querido needs to win to stay alive in the dispute for the national title.

Coach Filipe Luís will have two important players back: Everton Cebolinha and Michael. Both participated normally in the activities held last Monday (04), at CT Ninho do Urubu, and are options in the squad for the decision.

CEBOLINHA AND MICHAEL TRAIN

Everton Cebolinha, number 11, hasn't played since the 1-0 win over Fluminense on July 20. He was named in the Brasileirão match against Atlético-MG , but wasn't called up. Michael has been absent since June 24, when he played in the 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup playoffs.

UNPRECEDENTED ATTACK AND POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE

Flamengo 's likely starting lineup for the game is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, and Viña; Allan (Saúl), Jorginho, Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino, and Pedro (Bruno Henrique). The lineup may undergo adjustments before the match, but it indicates a clear attacking approach.

For the first time, Luiz Araújo, Samu Lino, and Pedro are expected to form Flamengo's attacking trio , representing an attempt to surprise the Minas Gerais defense with a new attacking dynamic. The presence of Bruno Henrique as an option also expands the tactical possibilities.

Flamengo continues intense preparation for the decisive duel against Atlético-MG , scheduled for this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte. The match is worth a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil and the Rio de Janeiro team needs to win after the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, at Maracanã.

Coach Filipe Luís is signaling changes to the attacking sector with the aim of seeking positive results from the opening minutes. The proposal is to adopt a more aggressive approach , focusing on the movement and speed of the attackers, as well as creativity in the midfield.

The likely lineup for the match indicates an attacking formation: Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Viña; Allan, Jorginho, Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino and Pedro (Plata).

UNPRECEDENTED TRIO IN ATTACK

With this formation, Flamengo is banking on an attacking trio that has never played together: Luiz Araújo, Samu Lino, and Pedro Plata . The expectation is that this addition will bring new dynamism to the attack , increasing the pressure on the Minas Gerais defense. Furthermore, Filipe Luís is also considering a midfield change, with Saúl replacing Allan, which would make the team even more attack-oriented.

CEBOLINHA AND MICHAEL RETURN

Two important reinforcements participated normally in the activities carried out this Monday (04), at CT Ninho do Urubu: Everton Cebolinha and Michael. Both were under the care of the medical department. The number 11 was recovering from muscle tendonitis , while the striker nicknamed "robozinho" was dealing with pain in his left ankle.

After a string of disappointing results, including a 1-0 loss to Atlético-MG and a draw against Ceará , Flamengo is experiencing a slowdown this season. Despite boasting a roster full of renowned athletes, the team's collective performance has been criticized , particularly for its lack of consistency.

Former player and current commentator Paulo Nunes was blunt in his analysis of the team's current form. According to him, the problem goes beyond results and involves the team's performance on the field. "If you look at Flamengo's squad, player by player, it's a team that can compete with any other in Brazil ," he said.

" And when the starting lineup comes in, the potential is even greater. But the performance is below par. It's not just about winning, but about playing better. I was shocked by Flamengo 's bench against Atlético-MG. There's talent, there are alternatives, but something is missing on the field," said Paulo Nunes.

QUALIFIED CAST DOES NOT REFLECT ON THE FIELD

Despite the big names at the coach's disposal, the team's performance hasn't reflected the club's investment. Flamengo is still searching for a more convincing style of play, especially in front of a demanding fan base , which expects more than just close results or lackluster performances.

Paulo Nunes reinforced this view, emphasizing that the team has the capacity to play more engaging football. " I'm a results-oriented team, always have been. But Flamengo has the ability to play better football. They already demonstrated that before the World Cup. Fans go to Maracanã expecting to see that level again."

DIFFICULTIES IN THE MIDFIELD EXPLAIN OSCILLATIONS

In recent games, the team has shown signs of tactical imbalance and difficulty creating attacking plays. The lack of creative output, coupled with difficulties controlling the midfield , has limited the team's performance in decisive matches.