Training defines Filipe Luís' starting lineup for Flamengo and Vasco on Sunday

After a week of South American competitions , the Brasileirão is back in the spotlight. The 24th round takes place this weekend, and Flamengo fans are not only hoping for a win in the derby against Vasco , but will also be keeping an eye on Cruzeiro and Palmeiras, direct rivals in the battle for the top spot.

NEXT FIVE GAMES FOR THE LEADERS

Flemish

• Vasco – home
• Corinthians – out
• Cruise – home
• Bahia – outside
• Botafogo – out

Cruise

• Bragantino – home
• Vasco – out
• Flamengo – out
• Sport – home
• Atlético-MG – away

Palm trees

• Fortaleza – home
• Bahia – outside
• Vasco – home
• Sao Paulo – outside
• Bragantino – home

Both Flamengo and Cruzeiro will have three away games in the upcoming rounds, while Palmeiras will play three home games . Furthermore, the head-to-head match between the Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais teams, in the 26th round, is already shaping up to be decisive in the title race.

WHEN DO THEY ENTER THE FIELD?

Palmeiras, third place with 46 points, opens the round among the leaders. This Saturday (20), Abel Ferreira's team faces Fortaleza at Allianz Parque, at 9 pm (Brasília time) . The expectation is that some starters will be rested for the duel against River Plate (ARG), for the Libertadores.

On Sunday (21), at 5:30 pm, Flamengo (leader with 50 points) faces Vasco at Maracanã. The duel will be broadcast by Globo, on open TV, in addition to Premiere, on pay-per-view . Later, at 8:30 pm, Cruzeiro (2nd place, with 47 points) measures forces with Red Bull Bragantino, at Mineirão.

Coach Filipe Luís was asked about Jorge Carrascal's absence in Flamengo's victory over Estudiantes (ARG) , this Thursday (18), at Maracanã. The commander responded sincerely and explained the reasons for the decision .

Filipe Luís on Carrascal's absence in Flamengo vs Estudiantes: "I choose whoever I believe is best for the team"

"For me, it doesn't matter if the player cost 100 million or if he's from the academy. I pick whoever I believe is best for the team, regardless of salary or market value. Whoever I think is best at that moment will play ," he stated.

Filipe then detailed his reading of the game: "At that moment, I thought that with Bruno and Plata pressing, we would regain territorial control and have more intensity . Furthermore, Luiz was able to cover the wing well, where Varela needed support."

This wasn't the first time the coach spoke about Carrascal 's situation. Last Sunday (14), Filipe had already said that the Colombian was "unlucky" when competing for position with Arrascaeta . On that occasion, Carrascal even came off the bench, gave an assist and helped in the victory over Juventude.

HOW WAS THE GAME AGAINST ESTUDIANTES?

Even with Carrascal on the bench, Flamengo started off with a bang at Maracanã. Within ten minutes, they were already leading with goals from Pedro and Varela. Despite their initial control, the refereeing caused instability in the game . Ecuadorian Plata was wrongly sent off by referee Andrés Rojas, and Estudiantes subsequently pulled one back, making it 2-1.

FLAMENGO'S SITUATION IN THE LIBERTADORES

With the victory, Flamengo goes into the return leg in Argentina with the advantage of drawing by any score to secure a spot in the semifinals. If they lose by one goal, the decision will be on penalties. The match takes place next Thursday (25), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in La Plata.

Former Flamengo coach and now in charge of Wolverhampton, Portuguese Vítor Pereira had his contract renewed for another three seasons . The announcement was made this Thursday (18) and comes as recognition for the work last season, when he started a series of victories and saved the team from relegation.

Vítor Pereira, ex-Flamengo, after renewing with Wolverhampton: "It's an honor for me"

Despite a disastrous start to the Premier League season , with four defeats in four games, the board decided to continue with the manager, viewing the renewal as a vote of confidence . Wolves currently sits at the bottom of the table.

"I'm very proud to be the Wolves manager. It's an honor for me. This is the club that gave me the chance to reach the Premier League , the best league in the world," said Vitor Pereira, who had a turbulent time at Flamengo .

Aware of the delicate situation, the coach emphasized the need for unity to try to turn the season around: "This is the moment we need to be together. We are a city with one club, and this city loves football . It's a passion. This spirit is what we need to cultivate to compete with the best teams in this league."

CAST WITH BRAZILIAN PRESENCE

In addition to the coach, Wolverhampton also has former Flamengo player João Gomes . Pereira also has midfielder André, formerly of Fluminense, and striker Jhon Arias, the latter a Colombian but with a notable stint at the Tricolor das Laranjeiras.

SEARCH FOR REACTION IN THE SEASON

With the renewal signed, the coach has the mission of getting Wolves back on track. So far, defeats to Manchester City, Bournemouth, Everton, and Newcastle have marked the start of the Premier League season. The only positive news came in the English League Cup, with the qualification against West Ham . The next match will be this Saturday (20), at 11 am (Brasília time), against Leeds United, at Molineux. In the League Cup, Wolves will face Everton on Tuesday (23), at 3:45 pm.