Cuiabá vs Flamengo: Key Details of the Brazilian Championship Match

Cuiabá and Flamengo are set to face each other in the 34th round of the 2024 Brazilian Série A championship, after the recent pause for the FIFA international dates. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 PM (Brasilia time), at the Arena Pantanal. The broadcast will be available throughout Brazil on the Premiere channel.

Cuiabá has been struggling recently, with no victories in their last five matches, comprising three draws and two losses. The team, positioned second to last in the standings with 29 points, is facing the grim prospect of their first relegation from the top division. They are currently eight points adrift of safety from the relegation zone, known as ‘Z-4’.

Flamengo, despite being plagued by injuries and the absence of four players who participated in international fixtures, aims to recover from a stalemate against Atlético-MG in their last outing. Currently ranked fourth in the league with 59 points, they are battling to secure a spot in the Libertadores group stage, an assurance already achieved by their recent Copa do Brasil victory.

The team will be without head coach Bernardo Franco due to suspension from accumulated yellow cards, and attacker André Luís, out with a herniated disc. However, Cuiabá is set to welcome back defender Alan Empereur, who has recovered from a foot injury, along with Fernando Sobral and Gustavo Sauer returning to the lineup.

The expected starting lineup for Cuiabá includes Walter; Matheus Alexandre, Marllon, Bruno Alves, Alan Empereur (or Filipe Augusto), and Ramon; Fernando Sobral and Lucas Fernandes; Gustavo Sauer, Clayson, and Isidro Pitta.

On the other side, Flamengo’s lineup will likely feature Rossi in goal, with defenders Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro. The midfield may include Allan, Everton Araújo, and Alcaraz, while the forward line consists of Michael, Matheus Gonçalves, and Bruno Henrique. Despite significant roster challenges, Flamengo is committed to maintaining competitive performances in the closing stretch of the season. «We will continue to play with the same ambition and competitiveness,» affirmed coach Filipe Luís.

With the championship heating up, both teams are eager for a win, albeit for different aspirations: Cuiabá to escape relegation and Flamengo to solidify their position in the top quartet.