Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Brasileiro clash between Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Flamengo play host to Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday evening looking to move into the top four of the Brasileiro table.
Meanwhile, their 11th-placed opponents travel to the Maracana looking to post a crucial win in their efforts to secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana qualifiers at the very least.
Match preview
Upon the opponent of Filipe Luis at the end of September, some Flamengo fans would have wondered why the club’s hierarchy had taken such a risk on an inexperienced coach.
As it stands, though, it appears to be an inspired choice, the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender recording six wins and two draws from nine matches in charge.
Most notably, Flamengo lifted the Copa do Brasil trophy at the weekend, completing a 4-1 aggregate victory over their upcoming opponents in a one-sided final.
Already with silverware in the bag, Luis can now focus on trying to ensure that Flamengo finish the Brasileiro campaign in the top four, the gap to second-placed Palmeiras six points with a game in hand.
The Scarlet-Black have put together a three-match unbeaten streak in the league, accumulating seven points from games against Juventude, Internacional and Cruzeiro.
In sharp contrast, Atletico Mineiro appear devoid of confidence having gone five matches in all competitions without success.
That period has come at the wrong time ahead of their Copa Libertadores final with Botafogo, the Rooster having an opportunity to lift their second-ever crown and guarantee qualification into next year’s competition.
However, sitting down in 11th place – albeit with two matches in hand – means that they cannot lose focus in the league as they bid to make sure that they do not miss out on the consolation prize of a place in the Copa Sudamericana qualifiers.
Gabriel Milito‘s side head into this contest having scored just twice in five matches in all competitions, highlighting the main area of improvement that is required ahead of this fixture.
Flamengo Brasileiro form:
Flamengo form (all competitions):
Atletico Mineiro Brasileiro form:
Atletico Mineiro form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago
With Gabriel Barbosa leaving Flamengo at the end of the season, as confirmed this week, Bruno Henrique could be drafted into the attack for this game.
Luis may take the opportunity to rotate his side with David Luiz, Fabricio Bruno and Gonzalo Plata all obvious options when Leo Ortiz and Gerson have linked up with the Brazil squad.
Midfielder Allan misses out on this fixture having been sent off for two yellow cards in the last league fixture at Cruzeiro.
There may be fewer changes to the Atletico side, although Alisson and Bernard may be options to come into the side from an attacking perspective.
Eduardo Vargas would have fallen into that bracket, too, but he is on international duty with Chile. Guilherme Arana is also with Brazil.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Wesley, Luiz, Bruno, Sandro; E.Araujo, Pulgar; L.Araujo, Plata, Michael; Henrique
Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Battaglia, Lyanco, Alonso; Scarpa, Franco, Zaracho, Otavio, Bernard; Hulk, Paulinho
We say: Flamengo 3-1 Atletico Mineiro
With the potential to move into the top half of the table, the visitors are live opponents for an in-form Flamengo outfit. Although the importance of this game may hinder the home side to some degree, we still feel that they will run out convincing winners.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
